Bayer Animal Health Showcases Global Commitment to Transform Livestock Production at IPVS

VANCOUVER, July 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

- Bayer's Practical Ingenuity Ensures Veterinarians and Producers are Equipped for Successful Swine Production in Highly Competitive Globalised Marketplace

Bayer Animal Health today revealed their new commitment to the livestock community at the 21st International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Congress in Vancouver, Canada.

"This year's congress highlights the complex and rapidly changing world pig production operates in and the need for constant innovation from everyone involved. At Bayer Animal Health, we recognise the significant challenges our customers face in this dynamic environment. That is why we are making a global commitment to ensuring our innovation, practical ingenuity and scientific excellence are available to as many pig producers as possible," commented Jim Gerardot, Bayer's Global Marketing Head of Food Animal Products and former livestock producer.

"With the objective of transforming livestock production sitting at the heart of our business, we will be supporting the industry by providing full access to Bayer's global knowledge and resources at a local level. We will be providing the scientific information, educational opportunities, quality products, services and innovative solutions needed to meet the challenges of the changing environment, wherever they may be," added Jim Gerardot.

The need for continuing innovation and education was reinforced by Dr Dermot Hayes of Iowa State University. "This year's meeting of international experts shows us the latest developments in international trade, competition for feed grain and the potential for major disruption as a result of disease outbreaks. It is clear that the future of successful swine production will depend on producers staying abreast of the latest developments in the field, and rapidly adjusting their production techniques if they are to remain competitive in this globalised marketplace."

Data presented at the IPVS 2010 meeting also confirmed that one of the significant issues facing all swine producers remains coccidiosis. This common disease is believed to be present in the majority of swine herds, causes significant financial losses and remains a truly global issue.

In line with their commitment, and embracing the congress theme of 'Sharing Ideas - Advancing Pig Health', Bayer Animal Health also presented a wide range of data at IPVS. A key paper was given by Dr Steven McOrist, whose team studied the impact of treatment with Baycox 5% in an on-farm study of a herd of more than 5,000 swine in a grower-finisher facility in Romania. According to Dr McOrist, "Our study demonstrated the protective effects of Baycox on gut health in treated pigs, with a significant drop in oocyst count in piglets around weaning in the treated group (p < 0.01). There was also a marked improvement in feed conversion in treated weaner-finisher pigs (2.41 vs. 2.63), with weight gains consistently and significantly better through to day 150 and evidence of a protective effect against a late, moderate Lawsonia exposure during the study."

Dr Bent Nielsen of Bayer Animal Health reinforced the importance of the study stating, "Coccidiosis prevention is a critical piglet health practice. This new information further demonstrates the added value that improving gut health can have throughout the swine production system."

To view the full MMR release, including video interviews with leading veterinary experts, please click here (http://bit.ly/IPVS2010)

About Bayer HealthCare

Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Bayer Schering Pharma, Consumer Care and Medical Care divisions. Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at http://www.bayerhealthcare.com.

With a turnover of EUR977 million (2009) Bayer HealthCare's Animal Health Division is one of the world's leading manufacturers of veterinary drugs. The division manufactures and markets more than 100 different veterinary drugs and care products for livestock and companion animals.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in our annual and interim reports to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to confirm them to future events or developments.

    Contact:
    Kathrin Statz, +49-2173-384019
    [email protected]

SOURCE Bayer HealthCare