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Prairie Swine Centre is an affiliate of the University of Saskatchewan
Prairie Swine Centre is grateful for the assistance of the George Morris Centre in developing the economics portion of Pork Insight.
Financial support for the Enterprise Model Project and Pork Insight has been provided by:
Greenhouse Gas Odour Emissions from Pig Production Buildings, Manure Storage and Manure Treatment Faciltiies
Posted in: Environment by admin on January 1, 2004 | No Comments
The general objective of this study was to evaluate methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and also odours emissions for swine operations in two provinces (Québec and Saskatchewan) under liquid manure management. More specifically, the research has been targeted at: 1. determining GHG and odour emissions from different types of swine production buildings and building floor designs; 2. determining GHG and odour emissions from different types of manure storage facilities, and 3. determining GHG and odour emissions from two manure treatment systems. Greenhouse gas and odour emission results have been expressed in terms of unit animal mass in order to allow for direct comparisons between the different sources. Researchers from four different organizations – the Institut de recherche et développement en agroenvironnement (IRDA), Prairie Swine Centre Inc. (PSCI), Université Laval and the University of Saskatchewan – actively participated in the project.
Studies Show P Retention Depends on Soil Type
Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments
Computer models developed at the University of Manitoba are helping determine the capacity of Manitoba soils to absorb phosphorus and to calculate how much capacity is being used. A study was done to determine the ability of Manitoba soils to absorb phosphorus (P), to develop mathematical equations to calculate the ability and to determine the degree of saturation. The biggest factors affecting P absorption capacity are soil properties and management practices. Clay soils have a high ability to retain P where as the sandy soils, both in the wet sand and in the dry sand, have a very low ability to hold P. Soils with a coarse texture have a limited ability to retain P. It doesn’t take much to exceed the ability of those soils to retain P so the risk of loss in those soils in very high, while clay soils can receive P and manure and phosphorus fertilizer without much risk. Scientists have created mathematical equations to calculate the soil’s ability to absorb P based on its properties and to calculate the amount of absorption capacity that is already being used. It is important for farmers to know their soil because this affects phosphorus management, manure management and fertilizer phosphorus management.
Suitability of Using "End of Pipe" Systems to Treat Farm Tile Drainage Water.
Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments
Carcass disposal: A comprehensive review
Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments
Dietary phytase reduces phosphorus excretion in weanling pigs
Posted in: Prairie Swine Centre by admin on | No Comments
Excessive phosphorus (P) output in the manure is a concern because it can leach into groundwater and/or may limit manure application onto certain lands. The addition of phytase enzyme to the diet of weanling pigs decreased total and water-soluble P output in the manure. This effects was reduced when dietary calcium was high relative to P (Ca:P ratios above 1.7:1). Phytase had only modest effects on performance.
Mitigating the Compliance Cost of a Phosphorus-Based Swine Manure Management Strategy
Posted in: Economics by admin on | No Comments
Regulatory changes by federal and state agencies portend a switch from nitrogen based livestock manure disposal policies to phosphorus-based policies. This paper estimates the compliance costs of such a policy change for a hypothetical hog-grain farm in North-Central Indiana. The farm includes 1,500 acres of cropland and has the capacity to raise 11,970 grow-finish hogs annually. The farm model also has the potential to produce four different crops on six different land types. A nonlinear math-programming model was developed to determine the optimal mix of management activities for a phosphorus-based regulation. The model allows mitigation of compliance costs via the choice between four different pig diets, three alternative methods of manure disposal, changes in timing of manure application, and crop pattern adjustments. This analysis includes that the new regulation will result in a decrease in whole-farm returns above variable costs, the use of phytase enzyme in pig diets, and an increase in wheat acreage. The model also reveals that it is optimal for the farmer to hire a custom hauler to assist in application of manure in an effort to reduce the degree to which available field days constrain farming activities and land application of manure. The estimate cost to the farmer, as a result of the policy change, ranges between $0.56 and $21.74 per unit of pig production capacity.