Economic Profitability of Sustained Application of Swine Lagoon Effluent and Beef Feedlot Manure Relative to Anhydrous Ammonia in the Oklahoma Panhandle

Posted in: Economics by admin on April 2, 2010 | No Comments

With the rapid growth of swine (Sus scrofa domestica) production in the Oklahoma Panhandle, animal waste management has become a growing concern. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the long-term eff ects of equivalent nitrogen rates of swine lagoon effl uent (SE), beef manure (BM), and commercial fertilizer on the yield and economic returns of irrigated corn (Zeamays L.) grown on calcareous Gruver silt loam soil (fi ne, mixed, superactive, mesic Aridic Paleustoll) near Goodwell, Oklahoma.

A randomized, complete-block, split-plot design with three replications was used to test the main eff ects of N source (NS) and equivalent N application rates (NR) of 56, 168, and 504 kg N ha–1. Both BM and SE generated signifi cantly (P < 0.05) higher corn yields than anhydrous ammonia (AA) across the main eff ect of NS. Greater separation of mean corn yields was found among NS as the equivalent NR rate was increased from 56 to 504 kg N ha–1 with the following rankings (P < 0.05): AA = BM = SE at 56 kg N ha–1, BM = AA ≥ SE at 168 kg N ha–1, and SE > BM > AA at 504 kg N ha–1. Both SE and BM generated signifi cantly (P < 0.05) higher economic returns than AA. Th e highest ranked alternatives of economic returns were generated by SE×504 and BM×168. Results indicate that SE and BM can be economically viable substitutes for commercial fertilizer, bringing higher yields and economic benefi ts to producers in the Oklahoma Panhandle.

PDF provided from Agron. J. 102:2 pp:  420-430 (2010), with permission, copyright American Society of Agronomy.

Making the Most of Your Herd Health Visits

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles by admin on April 1, 2010 | No Comments

A veterinarian and producer’s view on having an effective working relationship. The veterinarian should be aware of the producer’s long-term goals, have open and frequent communication, and a strategy for prevention. Having an effective and honest working relationship can help with making big decisions, a vaccine program, and disease outbreak prevention and management strategies.

Byproduct Feed Ingredients for Swine Diets – Opportunities and Challenges

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Biofuel production, and grain and oil processing produces byproducts, and these can be used in swine diets to reduce feed costs. The nutritional value of byproducts varies greatly with the parent source, the type of processing, and the individual processing plant. Some of the byproducts used are high fibre, and generally high fibre reduces performance, but the digestibility of fibre also varies. DDGS is a commonly used byproduct, and it has a typical nutrient profile similar to corn, but it does alter the fat characteristics when used in high percentages. Bakery byproducts have good nutritional value, though they are often priced higher than other byproducts due to competition for their use. Corn gluten feed has also been included at high levels into diets with success, and could be further utilized by different enzymes or pelleting. Wheat shorts have 85% the nutritional value of corn, and can be included up to 40% for grow-finish pigs. Finally, soybean hulls have higher fibre, protein, and energy than other byproducts, but should only be included up to 5%. Choosing a reliable source for byproducts and sticking with one byproduct can help maintain performance while reducing feed costs.

The Use of Byproducts and High Fiber Ingredients in Swine Diets

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With increased feed costs more producers are including byproducts as part of their diet formulation. DDGS is commonly used and the nutrient value can vary greatly, making it important to have a consistent source. Switching to a diet with byproducts should be done gradually otherwise there may be an impact on ADG. The iodine value measures unsaturated fatty acids, which in turn indicate fat firmness. DDGS can have an impact on IV, and also on carcass yield. To avoid reduced carcass yield, it is recommended to stop feeding byproducts several weeks before market. Extra care should be taken before feeding byproducts to sows. The feed should be free of mycotoxins, and the same ingredients should be used for gestation and lactation diets. Finally, when mixing a diet it is important to not overload the mixer, as this could cause uneven distribution of amino acids and additives.

Alternative Farrowing Options

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Some of the advantages of using alternative farrowing options include supplying a niche market, increased sow welfare, more sustainable production, and setting an industry example. However, the challenges with an alternative system include increased pre-wean mortality, labour and space requirements, and stricter protocols.

Alternative Farrowing Systems

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Free-range farrowing pens allow sows to express more natural behaviour before, during, and after farrowing. The litter size increases as well; however, the rate of piglet crushing increases compared to farrowing crates. Proper management can help reduce crushing. Some of the management techniques include installing a crush bar in front of the nest box, and having an optimal nesting spot. Piglets will choose to lie in the nesting box if it has enough straw and space, is easy to access, and is the right temperature, which will reduce their chance of being crushed. Calm sows with good milk production crush fewer piglets, as do gilts. A gilt that crushes more than 2 piglets should not be re-bred, and replacement litters should be chosen from sows with strong mothering abilities. Farrowing pens allow a cleaner, higher welfare option to farrowing crates, and with proper management can maintain or increase production.

Green Initiatives for the Swine Sector

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Ontario’s Green Act has streamlined energy projects, and introduced the FIT program to the swine industry. Solar energy and biogas are two sources of energy the government is willing to purchase off of producers. The solar panels can be a micro-fit system, which can be placed on the roof or the ground. The ground panels will likely be better for rural areas where more space is available, and roof systems used in higher density areas. The roof’s integrity will have to be assessed before installing roof paneling. So far biogas projects are mainly run off of manure, as using high energy crops would not be profitable enough. Further use of biogas may take some re-evaluation of manure systems. Other green energy sources are wind, water, and biomass systems and new or renovated barns should consider their options before construction.

Green Initiatives: Overall Evaluation of Innovative Pig Fattening Systems for Animal-Welfare Label Production

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There are increasing concerns about animal welfare in agriculture, so four pig-fattening systems were evaluated for animal welfare and for productivity. Welfare was evaluated by observation, pen condition scoring, and equipment (feeders, ventilation etc.) records. The four types of systems were an improved conventional system, a sloped floor system, an open front stable, and an outdoor exercise stable. The outdoor access (open front and exercise stable) increased lying, and decreased behaviour disorders. Straw reduced injuries, but required more work per animal. All systems ended with a good score for productivity and animal welfare, but the open front and outdoor exercise yards were the best, and also were scored the highest for animal preference.

Managing Boar Taint: Focus on Genetic Markers

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Entire males have improved feed efficiency and lean gain when compared to surgically castrated males, but the presence of boar taint can restrict their use. If genetic markers for boar taint could be identified a breeding program to reduce or eliminate it could be created, providing an economical and animal welfare advantage for producers. The cause of boar taint is when androstenone, from the testis, and skatole, from tryptophan breakdown, accumulates in the fat. Alternatives to surgical castration for controlling boar taint include immunocastration and genetic selection. Previous problems with genetic selection have been that selecting boars with low boar taint results in reproductive problems. Genetic markers could help identify the location of boar taint genes, and allow selection with maintained performance. The University of Guelph has identified 80 SNPs in 28 genes that are associated with skatole and androstenone levels in fat. Depending on the line, selection could reduce fat skatole levels 20-53%, fat androstenone levels by 26-61%, and maintain performance.

Catration in the Swine Industry and the Impact on Growth Performance – Physical Versus Vaccination

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Castration has been performed in the pork industry to reduce aggressive behaviour and to prevent boar taint in meat. This has usually been done by physical castration, and has the effect of reducing feed efficiency and increasing fat gain over lean gain. To increase efficiency and lean gain, entire males are being considered for use, but to avoid boar taint they would need to be slaughtered before sexually maturing – which reduces economic profitability. Studies of boars in group housing systems have found little difference in final weight or average daily gain when compared to barrows, but final lean gain has been higher and final fat content lower. This effect is more pronounced when boar are housed individually. The reduced performance in groups may be due to increased aggression and sexual behaviour, which reduces feed intake. Immunocastration – or immunizing against gonadotrophin releasing factor – reduces the presence of boar taint compounds, reduces aggressive behaviour, and improves growth. Immunocastration allows the boar to have a growth rate and feed intake similar to a barrow, but the feed efficiency and lean gain closer to an individually housed boar. The decrease in boar taint compounds and increased carcass weight appears after 2 weeks and lasts for 4-8 weeks after the second vaccine administration, although the skatole pattern is not yet confirmed. Due to the increased protein deposition in boars, their lysine requirement will be higher than for barrows. As well, it appears to be higher than for gilts, although the boar’s efficiency in lysine use seems to be better. Immunocastration is one solution to achieving a boar’s higher feed efficiency and lean gain, while maintaining a barrow’s temperament and reducing boar taint.