Threonine requirement of sows in early, mid and late gestation

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The THR requirement in early (35–53d),mid- (63-70d) and late (92–110d)
gestation was determined by indicator amino acid (IAAO) oxidation in six
second parity sows fed THR from 60 % to 150 % of NRC (1998) estimated
requirements. L[1-13C]phenylalanine was given orally at 30 min intervals for 8
meals and expired 13CO2 was quantified. The nonlinear Mixed model in SAS
was used to determine the THR requirement for each period by breakpoint
analysis. Plasma THR was also used to estimate requirement.
Sows responded differently to increasing levels of dietary THR in early and
late gestation. Preliminary breakpoint analysis resulted in a THR requirement
of 6.1 g/d in early gestation (R2=0.59), 7.0 g/d in mid gestation (R2=0.55) and
13.6 g/d in late gestation (R2=0.56). The THR requirement based on plasma
THR was 7.2 g/d (R2=0.90) in early gestation and 14.0 g/d (R2=0.76) in late
gestation. The current recommended THR intake during gestation is 10 g/d.

Hyaluronic acid in the female reproductive tract of the pig

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Uterine and oviductal samples were collected from twenty two primiparous
sows on their second estrus following weaning. Based on the timing of
ovulation determined by real-time ultrasound, samples were collected from a
minimum of three sows whose temporal reproductive status corresponded to
the germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase two (MII) stages of oocyte
maturation, and the 2-cell, 4-cell, early morula (8- to 16-cell), morula and
blastocyst stages of embryonic development. Each uterine horn was divided
into three equal length sections by ligature to represent the lower- (cervical),
mid- and upper (oviductal) sections of the horn. Warm PBS was then used to
flush each oviduct (5ml) and each section of the uterine horns (20 m).
Hyaluronic acid concentrations in flushings were determined using an HA
specific ELISA (Hyaluronan Duo Set, R&D systems) and the volume of each
flush was used to estimate total HA content (ng per flush). No differences
(P>0.05) in HA content were found between uterine sections at any stage of
gestation. HA content of uterine flushings decreased (P<0.0001) between the GV and 2-cell stages, and then steadily increased (P<0.001-0.01) through the morula and blastocyst stages of development.

Quarterly Hogs and Pigs 2009

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U.S. inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2009 was 66.1 million head. This was down 2 percent from June 1, 2008 but up 1 percent from March 1, 2009. Breeding inventory, at 5.97 million head, was down 3 percent from last year and down slightly from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 60.1 million head, was down 2 percent from last year
but up 1 percent from last quarter. The March-May 2009 pig crop, at 28.5 million head, was down slightly from 2008 but up 2 percent from 2007. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.97 million head, down 3 percent from 2008 and down 2 percent from 2007. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 50 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was a record high 9.61 for the March-May 2009 period, compared to 9.38 last year. Pigs saved per litter by size of operation ranged from 7.40 for operations with 1-99 hogs and pigs to 9.70 for operations with more than 5,000 hogs and pigs.

Normal profiles for deciduous dental eruption in domestic piglets: Effect of sow, litter, and piglet characteristics

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The purpose of this study was to examine dental development in commercial swine and identify maternal, litter, and piglet factors. Sequence of tooth eruption and reversals in eruption order (i.e., polymorphisms) were also examined. this is the first study to examine deciduous tooth eruption and the key factors influencing eruption times in domestic large breed commercial pigs. The study found that considerable variation in eruption times exists among individuals and litters. As well, substantial differences in the timing of molar eruption were found between the current study and earlier studies, indicating the need for current knowledge regarding the developmental physiology of our domestic animals. Further research investigating the relationship between tooth eruption and feeding behavior in the young pig is needed to provide a more comprehensive picture of feeding ability and feeding potential. As well, additional research is needed to determine how dental integrity and dental health influence feeding ability and overall health in the herd.

For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/

Reducing Transport Losses

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Drawing on the collective studies noted, ISU researchers and a commercial pork integrator teamed up to take a
closer look at the factors associated with fatigued, injured and dead pigs during transport to a processing facility.
Factors contributing to transport losses, such as pig density in trailers (pig weight/transport square feet), sort
from the barn, season, temperature, management and others, were studied. It was found that there are many ways to reduce transport losses. 1) Periodically check the transport losses from your hog operation and/or sites 2) Be sure your truck drivers are certified under the Transport Quality Assurance to ensure they understand and follow the guidelines. 3) Calculate the usable square footage of the transport trailer and develop a loading plan for the number
of pigs being transported. 3) Check ventilation in the trailer to ensure it is appropriate for current weather conditions. 4) Develop written standard operating procedures and checklists for loading and transporting pigs.

Mapping for manure management

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By employing new manure mapping technologies and through their own progressive initiatives, Iowa’s Van Gilst brothers are keeping their hog farm ahead of the curve on the manure management front. The barns at the Van Gilst operation are all slatted, with eight-foot cement pits under each. The pits can hold enough manure for up to a year, though they try to pump the barns in both the spring and fall, depending on weather conditions. They are working to incorporate technology—in the form of mapping software that would record manure hauls—into their operation,
which will tell them easily and quickly what areas of the fields have been covered.

Fatty acid composition and meat quality traits of organically reared Korean native black pigs

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In recent years, organic animal products have received a significant attention in most developed countries, as the environmentally friendly products are considered to be a healthier and safer than those produced by intensive
production system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of free-range outdoor and conventional confined-indoor feeding systems on growth performance, meat quality and fatty acid compositions. It was found that that the organic rearing system significantly influence meat quality of longissimus muscle for Korean native black pigs (KNPs). The organic system resulted in significantly highermyoglobin content, and consequently higher redness value (CIE a*) than the conventional one. The current study also identified that the organic system changed fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat, resulting in significantly higher levels of PUFA,USFA and PUFAn-3. In this respect, the quality of meat can be proved to benefit from the organic system for pig production.

For more information the full article can be found at http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/livsci

Prediction of the nutrients value and biochemical characteristics of swine slurry by measurement of EC – Electrical conductivity

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The main objective of the present study was to quantitatively characterize the swine slurries in terms of physical, biochemical, and microbial parameters, in order to find an easy means for predicting nutrient matter by easily determinable parameter of EC content in swine slurries. The regression equations were presented and compared for nutrients and other parameters with EC. The data obtained could be useful for facilitating the implementation of Good Management Practices in South Korean swine farms as well as other countries. It was found that the precise characterization of animal waste is an essential guide for the development of new environmental technologies. Swine
slurries observed significant variations in the physico-biochemical properties, macro and micronutrients. Despite EC proved to be a good indicator for predicting nutrients (TN, NH3-N, TK, Na) and other parameters (SG, TS, VS, FS, TDS, TCOD, SCOD) in the slurry. Hence, single EC meter is satisfactory for in situ determination of slurry characters. The data and correlations could be used for systematic management of swine manure and estimate the nutrient contribution to the agricultural fields in South Korea as well as other countries.

For more information the full article can be found at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09608524

Decision Making By Consensus

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The substantial swings in feedgrain prices in 2008, along with prospects of only modest profits in 2009, have pork producers asking their trusted advisors a lot of serious questions about positioning their operations for better times. With the potentially conflicting opinions, it is easy for producers to become confused as they attempt to make sound business decisions. To prosper in these periods of rapid price gyrations, the successful producer is wise to rely on consensus from his advisory team. Notice that I stressed “team.” In my experience, there is much to be gained in strategic planning by producers of all sizes and types of agricultural enterprises when all of the individuals providing information and advice are involved in the discussion and decision making process. Who you select for your advisory team depends largely on the skills and talents that are missing in your daily decision-making process. Most often, this team will include: a lender who understands the financial consequences of your decisions; a nutritionist who understands your biggest cash expense – feed; a veterinarian who specializes in hogs and understands the health
implications of any change in production technology; and someone who understands your biggest fixed expense – facilities. In addition, you quite possibly will need input from your tax advisor if you are considering major investments or decisions that could have tax consequences. Together, this team can help you formulate a plan that should keep you successful in the business of pork production for many years to come.

Modeling Pork Supply Response and Price Volatility: The Case of Greece

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The development of the global pork production
has been very dynamic in recent decades. Between
1990 and 2004, global meat production
increased from 180 million tons to almost 260
million tons, and the contribution of pork to
global meat production was about 38% in 2005. The objective of this paper is to explore the
supply response in the pork industry. Several
parameters, such as expected pork producer
price, price volatility, and cost factors, are used
to specify the appropriate supply response
model and describe producers’ risk. The empirical analysis used the GARCH process to model producers’ expectations
about expected price and expected
price volatility and the supply response equation
estimated jointly with the price equation
using the FIML econometric approach. It was found that price uncertainty appears to have a strong
negative effect on Greek pig producers, which
might be an important constraint in their attempt
to expand their farm size and invest in
more productive technologies. Also, it seems that pork industry in a small
country like Greece faces serious problems to
adapt successfully to open market conditions
and achieve high level performances in an increasing
level of international competition. Therefore, the
Greek government should further assist pork
producers to participate in specialized investment
programs, financed jointly by the Greek
government and the EU, providing them with
subsidized capital appropriate for modernization
and growth.