Greetings and happy fall to everyone!

Let me start by thanking all our loyal customers. We really appreciate the trust you place in our team to provide nutrition solutions and management advice for your operations. We had our Customer Appreciation events in Swift Current and Lethbridge a few weeks ago, and what a wonderful time it was.

There were informative talks on the performance of our swine nursery programs, on the impacts of mycotoxins on poultry production, and a commodity market update. This was followed by a very nice lunch with many happy livestock producers and WAGS personnel.


It was exciting to provide an update at these events on the growth of our sow nutrition and poultry nutrition customer bases, which grew over the past year by 18% and 17%, respectively. It has been a great year for the majority of livestock producers with high market prices, and we are thankful that so many of you chose WAGS to join your team during this time!

Please enjoy the articles in this Q4 2025 version of the WAGS newsletter and we look forward to seeing more of you at the Customer Appreciation event in Great Falls, Montana that we will be hosting on November 21st. I am sure it will be just as enjoyable as the October events!

Over the past couple of months, we have seen wheat and barley prices drop significantly across the prairies. Wheat has been trading around $265-270 per MT delivered of late and barley around $255 delivered in Southern Alberta. Prices have been $5 to 10 lower in parts of Western and Central Saskatchewan. This drop in small grain prices has been driven by large global supplies and an above average harvest throughout much of the prairies. While we have seen weak export demand over this period, it is possible we have reached close to a price bottom with wheat export programs starting to tick upwards and elevator bids strengthening heading into Q1 2026.

The large corn crop being harvested in the US could put a cap on any significant price surge. However, there is a lack of information with the US government shutdown curbing the USDA from regularly releasing information on harvest progress, yields and crop condition. A factor worth considering is the strong exports we have seen for US corn year to date with export sales outpacing last year by 68%!

On the protein meal side of the market, we have seen a dramatic shift over the past week with futures climbing significantly. This has been driven by accelerating talks between China and the US to complete a trade deal and finally some sales of soybeans from the US to China on the books in future months. The talks and cargos sold pushed soybean prices up, put pressure on crush margins, and thus increased cash meal prices with basis remaining firm. Recent offers have ranged from $580 to $590 per MT for SBM. Canola meal has climbed from $245 to $290 over the past week and a half. However, relative to soybean meal it remains a competitive buy due to Chinese tariffs on Canadian origin canola products. As a result, soybean meal has been doing less heavy lifting in livestock rations.

Another ingredient that worked its way back into rations over the past few months was peas. Similar to canola, China has maintained a 100% tariff on Canadian pulses, which has really pressured export volumes downwards this year. Couple that with a strong Canadian pulse crop and pea prices currently sit around $275 to 280 per MT.

The above ingredient market trends coupled with high livestock and livestock output market prices across the board has led to great margins for producers. This provides an opportunity to comfortably take coverage for grain. Given the recent increase in protein values, having been driven by speculation, it may be wise to hold off taking long positions if not already covered.

Mycotoxins are one of the most persistent threats in poultry production, affecting feed quality and ultimately flock health and economic returns. Mycotoxins are produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium species. Even at low levels, these toxic fungal metabolites can have a significant impact on animal production. Some common effects are reduced feed intake, impaired immune function, and damaged intestinal integrity, which compromise egg and meat production efficiency. Limiting the use of mycotoxin contaminated feed is a non-negotiable strategy; however, including a mycotoxin binder is warranted both as a preventative measure and as a support when contamination is suspected. It is important to understand the mechanism of action and selection of a toxin binder for successful decontamination and mitigation of mycotoxin effects.

What is a toxin binder?
A mycotoxin binder is a feed additive that reduces the absorption of mycotoxins from the gastrointestinal tract by physically or chemically interacting with the toxin molecules. They are also called sequestrants or adsorbents. These binders form a complex with toxins, which is then excreted rather than absorbed into the bloodstream. This helps to minimize the toxic effects in animals. Common commercial classes of toxin binders are organic and inorganic binders (Fig 1). Inorganic binders are mineral based and include silicates (like clays) and activated charcoal. Organic binders are plant based rich in beta-glucans and mannoproteins that form bonds with toxins.

Mycotoxin properties for selection of mycotoxin binders
Mycotoxins differ in size and polarity, influencing their interaction with binders in poultry feed. Mycotoxins are categorized by molecular size into small (aflatoxin, ochratoxin and zearalenone) and large (T2, DON, fumonisin). Similarly, toxins are also ranked based on polarity from high (hydrophilic) to low (lipophilic), with fumonisin and aflatoxin being the most polar, followed by OTA, T2, DON, and zearalenone (Zea) as the least polar (Fig 2).

The effectiveness of a mycotoxin is determined by the physical and chemical properties of the toxin. The polarity determines which binder it is attracted to. Inorganic binders such as clays are particularly effective against highly polar mycotoxins like aflatoxin and fumonisin. Their strong cation exchange capacity and negatively charged surfaces allow them to attract and bind polar toxin molecules through charged interactions and hydrogen bonding. (Damato et al. 2022) The size and structure of the toxin are equally critical. Small, flat molecules like aflatoxin can easily enter the layered structure of clays, whereas large, branched molecules like fumonisin are physically excluded (Kihal et al. 2022) This is where organic binders, such as yeast cell walls, come into play; their efficacy relies less on charge and more on a three-dimensional "lock-and-key" fit with the toxin's unique shape.

Selection
When it comes to selecting a mycotoxin binder, there is no single best binder for all situations. The right choice depends entirely on specific toxins present in the feed. The most practical approach would be to test the feed and determine the mycotoxin load. If the primary concern is aflatoxin, investing in a high-quality clay binder is effective and cost efficient. If the feed test reveals significant levels of DON, T2 or Fumonisin, most of the standard clay or yeast-based binders have poor efficacy. In most cases, there is mixed contamination of multiple mycotoxins. In such situations, a combination product would be a better fit. Combination binders containing both clay and yeast cell walls offer broad-spectrum coverage. Clay binds well with aflatoxin, while yeast cell wall components add protection against Zearalenone and Ochratoxin. This “dual defense” approach is useful when feed has multiple toxins, offering a safety net even when full testing isn’t done. While the use of a combination product is a good strategy as a preventative measure, excessive use of mycotoxin binders may not be cost effective, as some binders can indiscriminately bind essential nutrients. Certain binders have been shown to adsorb significant amounts of fat-soluble vitamins (Kihal et al. 2021).

The first step to combat the mycotoxin problem is to prevent the feed contamination from mycotoxins by sourcing clean grains. Testing of the new grains should be a routine task for any incoming grain. Use of toxin binder could be an effective strategy to mitigate the effects of mycotoxins, but should not be the primary strategy to deal with mycotoxins. Since not all binders work for all toxins, choosing the right product requires understanding both the type of contamination and how different binders function. A combination product can provide broad protection against common toxins, especially when contamination is mixed or unknown. However, binders should be used strategically; excessive inclusion can bind valuable nutrients and increase feed costs without added benefits.

Potassium (K⁺) is a vital electrolyte for cows, essential for cellular function, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure. As the primary intracellular cation, it plays a central role in homeostasis and heart function. Both deficiency (hypokalemia) and excess (hyperkalemia) can lead to serious health issues.

Mineral Synergy and Interactions
Calcium. Potassium reduces urinary calcium loss, aiding bone health and blood pressure regulation. In the uterus, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ regulate muscle contractions. High K⁺ can trigger uterine contractions and interfere with calcium mobilization, increasing the risk of milk fever in pre-calving cows.

Sodium. K⁺ counteracts sodium’s hypertensive effects by promoting sodium excretion and relaxing blood vessels. The sodium-potassium pump is crucial for nerve impulses and muscle responses.

Magnesium. Magnesium supports K⁺ function and transport into cells. Deficiency in Mg²⁺ can lead to secondary K⁺ deficiency, affecting muscle and heart function.

Physiological Importance
Potassium influences nerve and muscle function, growth, reproduction, and milk production. Adequate K⁺ boosts milk yield and fat content, while deficiency reduces feed intake and weight gain. Excess K⁺ can impair Mg²⁺ absorption and cause udder edema in dry cows. During pregnancy, K⁺ channels maintain uterine quiescence, preventing premature contractions.

Potassium in Feed and Dietary Requirements

Sources and Forms:
Natural Sources. Forages are rich in potassium (Fig 3).


Supplements. Commonly added as potassium chloride (KCl, Figs 4 and 5) or potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃). KCl is stable across pH levels; K₂CO₃ solubility decreases in low rumen pH, potentially reducing effectiveness.

Dietary Needs
Lactating Cows. Require 1.5 ± 0.5% K⁺ (DM basis). Deficiency (0.06–0.15%) leads to reduced plasma/milk K⁺, lower feed intake, weight loss, and milk yield.

Dry Cows. Hay should contain 1.5–2.5% K⁺.
Lactating Cows. Optimal hay K⁺ levels are 2.5–4%. High K⁺ intake pre-calving can cause metabolic alkalosis, hindering calcium mobilization and increasing hypocalcemia risk. Thus, low-K⁺ diets are recommended for close-up dry cows to reduce DCAD. Post-calving, cows should return to high-K⁺ diets to support milk production.

Early Lactation. Fresh cows excrete more K⁺, requiring increased dietary intake. Studies show that higher K⁺ levels during early lactation (first 75 days) improve milk yield and fat content, even without altering blood or milk K⁺ concentrations.

Health Implications
Deficiency. Poor coat quality, reduced skin pliability, and increased risk of displaced abomasum due to impaired muscle function. Excess. Can lead to toxicity (hyperkalemia), causing muscle weakness, heart issues, and potentially fatal arrhythmias.

Veterinary Use
Potassium compounds like potassium permanganate and potassium mono-persulfate are used in footbaths to treat hoof diseases such as digital dermatitis and foot rot.

Edema Disease (ED) in pigs is a significant enterotoxemia caused by Escherichia coli strains that produce the verotoxin 2e (VT2e). This toxin damages blood vessels, leading to vascular changes, neurological signs, and high mortality, especially during the post-weaning phase. While antibiotics have historically been the primary treatment, the global trend of reducing antibiotic and zinc oxide use in livestock production has spurred interest in more sustainable alternatives, particularly vaccination and biosecurity improvements. This article explores the pathogenesis of ED, the clinical forms of the disease, diagnostic methods, and the growing role of vaccination programs as an alternative to antibiotics in managing Edema Disease.

Understanding Edema Disease Pathogenesis
Edema Disease is caused by E. coli strains with specific adhesion factors that enable them to colonize the small intestine, particularly the jejunum and ileum. These strains produce verotoxin 2e, which is absorbed into the bloodstream and damages the blood vessels.
The effects of VT2e include:
- Capillary damage: refers to the breaking of tiny blood vessels, which can appear on the skin as red, spider–like lines.
- Degenerative angiopathy: the condition where blood vessels deteriorate over time.
- Increased vascular permeability: occurrs when there is an excessive leakage of fluid and protein from blood vessels.
- Epithelial necrosis: is the death of cells in the tissue, which lines organs and body cavities.

As a result, affected pigs develop edema, incoordination, and, in severe cases, sudden death. These clinical symptoms progress rapidly, making early detection crucial.


Clinical Forms of Edema Disease
Although clinical disease is the most severe, ED can manifest in three distinct clinical forms:
- Clinical Edema Disease. Characterized by sudden death and visible edema around the eyelids and face, with severe behavioural changes and consciousness and reactivity to stimuli are reduced (Fig 6). Mortality rates can reach up to 20%, particularly in the nursery stage.

- Chronic Edema Disease. Pigs that survive the acute form may exhibit unilateral neurological disturbances, reduced growth rate, and progressive weakness (Fig 7).

- Subclinical Edema Disease. Subclinical cases show no obvious signs of ED. Symptoms include growth delay, vascular lesions, ear necrosis, and streptococcal infections (Fig 8). This form is difficult to identify but often presents in late nursery and in fattening pigs. The clinical form of Edema Disease can have devastating impacts on a farm. More recently, the role of subclinical edema disease is being investigated, finding that subclinical ED can also be a large cost to the farm through reduced growth rates. In addition, the subclinical form of ED may be more prevalent than initially thought.

How to diagnose edema disease
The diagnosis of Edema Disease is challenging, especially in subclinical cases. However, advances in diagnostic technology have led to the development of PCR-based kits that can better detect verotoxin 2e-producing E. coli.

Key diagnostic methods include:
- PCR tests on oral fluids: A non-invasive way to detect the genetic material of E. coli strains responsible for Edema Disease
- FTA cards (a technological card chemically treated used to collect biological samples like blood or saliva) for sample transportation: Ensure safe handling and transport of samples for PCR testing.

If subclinical edema disease is suspected in your farm, contact your herd veterinarian for diagnostic investigation.
Vaccination to prevent edema disease
Vaccination is emerging as one of the most effective alternatives to antibiotic treatment in edema Disease control. Field trials have demonstrated the benefits of a recombinant VT2e vaccine, which has shown promise in reducing both mortality and morbidity associated with ED.

Vaccination Benefits:
- Immunity against verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), which protects pigs from Edema Disease.
- Reduced clinical signs of ED, including death, neurological issues, and severe dyspnea (Figs 9 and 10).
- Improved growth performance and feed conversion in pigs.
- Minimization of the need for antibiotics and zinc oxide (ZnO), both of which are facing increasing regulatory restrictions.


Best Practices for Vaccination:
- Ensure timely vaccine administration to ensure optimal immunity.
- Monitor serological titers to track the vaccine's efficacy.
- Implement alongside strict biosecurity protocols and good feed management practices for best results.

Prevention vs. Treatment: The Economic Case for Vaccination
As the Canadian swine industry moves towards reduced antibiotic and zinc oxide use, it is becoming increasingly important to adopt alternative methods to control disease. Vaccination programs against ED prove to be far more cost-effective in the long run compared to the losses caused by subclinical ED.


Economic Advantages of Preventative Vaccination:
- Reduced cost per pig: farms can lower overall treatment costs.
- Improved productivity: Vaccinated pigs grow faster and more uniformly, leading to better feed conservation and fewer days in the farm.
- Return on investment (ROI): Farms that implement vaccination programs report lower mortality, fewer antibiotics, and improved feed conversion rates, leading to a more financially viable operation. (Fig 11).


In Summary:
1. Edema Disease is a serious enterotoxemia caused by VT2e-producing E. coli, leading to significant losses in swine production.
2. Vaccination is a proven alternative to antibiotics, effectively preventing disease and improving growth performance.
3. Prevention through vaccination is more cost-effective than treatment and aligns with global trends towards reducing antibiotic usage in animal agriculture.
4. The global prevalence of subclinical ED highlights the importance of taking preventative action.

The views expressed in this article are soley those of the author and do not reflect the views of WAGS.

About the author: Ramiro Aguilar is the HIRPA Sales Representative for Swine in Western Canada. For questions, you may get in touch with him through email ramiro.aguilar@hipra.com or mobile number (403) 383-8422.

Note: For all aricles, references are available upon request.

Congratulations to the WAGS customers who garnered awards and recognition last quarter. The WAGS Team is proud to be your animal nutrition solutions provider!

Four out of the five top spots were awarded to WAGS customers at the Lethbridge Livestock Expo Carcass Competition (Oct 15-16, 2025):


Congratulations to the Independent Meat Awardees:
• Best marbling: Hilltop Colony
• Best pig: Hilltop Colony
• Most pigs shipped: Plainview Colony

Congratulations to the WAGS partners who made it to the H@ms Marketing September Top 10 list for carcass quality of pigs going to either Thunder Creek and Britco or Olymel. Well done!

THUNDER CREEK and BRITCO

INDEXING
5th Raley Colony Ltd.
7th New Dale Hutterian Brethren
8th Hillridge Farming Co.

HEALTH/QUALITY TATTOO
1st Vanguard Farming Company Ltd.
3rd Shamrock Farming Co. Ltd.
8th Hillridge Farming Co.
9th New Dale Hutterian Brethren

LEAN PERCENTAGE & LOIN DEPTH
Lean Percent Target
1st Hillridge Framing Co.
2nd Raley Colony Ltd.
5th New Dale Hutterian Brethren
10th Shamrock Farming Co. Ltd.

Loin Depth Target
3rd New Dale Hutterian Brethren
5th Raley Colony Ltd.
10th Vanguard Farming Company Ltd.

CORE AREA AND SORT
% in Core Area
2nd Hillridge Farming Co.
3rd Raley Colony Ltd.
6th Shamrock Farming Co. Ltd.
10th Vanguard Farming Co. Ltd.

Carcass Wt. Target
2nd Raley Colony Ltd.
3rd Vanguard Farming Co. Ltd.
4th Hillridge Farming Co.
6th Shamrock Farming Co. Ltd.
9th New Dale Hutterian Brethren

OLYMEL

INDEXING
6th Clear Lake Farming

HEALTH/QUALITY TATTOO
5th Clear Lake Farming
6th Sovereign Farming Co.
9th Old Elm Farming Co. Ltd.

LEAN PERCENTAGE & LOIN DEPTH
Lean Percent Target
4th Clear Lake Farming

LOIN DEPTH TARGET 65 mm
1st Summerland Colony Farming

CORE AREA AND SORT
% in Core Area
1st Old Elm Farming Co. Ltd.
4th Clearlake Farming

Carcass Wt. Target
1st Old Elm Farming Co. Ltd.
5th Sky Light Colony
7th Sovereign Farming Company