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Industry Partners
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:
Restricted feed intake in lactating primiparous sows, effects on sows metabolic state and subsequent reproductive performance
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles by admin on June 6, 2012 | No Comments
The abstract for a study looking at the effect of restricted feeding during the previous lactation on sow metabolism and next litter outcome. It would sows that were restricted metabolized energy was lower from feed and higher from tissue, and embryonic weight was lower. For restricted sows with less fat mobilization, the embryonic weight was not as reduced.
Emerging Technologies with Potential to Influence Feed Efficiency
Posted in: Nutrition, Pork Insight Articles by admin on June 5, 2012 | No Comments
This presentation by Dr. Denise Beaulieu of the Prairie Swine Centre was presented as the 7th in a series of 8 webinars on Feed Efficiency hosted by the Prairie Swine Centre. To access the presentation scroll down and click on Download PDF
Developing strategies for water conservation in swine production operations
Posted in: Economics, Energy, Environment, Pork Insight Articles by admin on | No Comments
The abstract for a study on water usage by drinkers and cleaning purposes. Three types of drinkers were tested for water use: controlled nipple, nipple with side plate, and trough with a constant level. Effectiveness and water use were recorded for cleaning with sprinkling beforehand and nozzle type in two differently floored rooms. Reducing water use in commercial barns can save money, but also has an environmental impact.
Evaluation of heating systems in swine grow-finish rooms
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The abstract for a study comparing three heating systems in a grow-finish room for electricity and natural gas use, pig performance, and air quality. The systems tested were a heat recovery ventilator (HVA), a ground source heat pump (GSHP), and a conventional forced-air convection heater. The HVA and GSHP provided an overall energy saving of 52% and 39% respectively, and had no impact on animal performance, even though feed intake was lower. The study was conducted for three winter months, and additional trials will need to be performed.
Investigation of a custom 96 SNP panel associated with meat quality and carcass traits in commercial pigs
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The abstract for a study evaluating a custom 96 SNP panel for meat quality and carcass traits like muscle pH, colour, drip and cooking loss, peak shear force, and consumer panel sensory assessment. 27 of the SNPs were strongly associated with at least one trait, and could be used in a larger panel.
Quality in the eyes of consumers with different beliefs about pork production
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The abstract for a study on consumer preference, using online and in person surveys. Those who viewed traditionally raised pork as safer and healthier generally preferred industry labeling, and those who did not preferred government certification. General food quality, appearance, and food safety data was also collected.
Consumers’ trust and pork preferences: Implications for pork production
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The abstract for a study evaluating consumer trust in aspects of the pork industry including production system, quality, and certification labels. Preliminary results show consumers with low trust in farmers are willing to pay more for traditionally raised, or government certified products.
Flax-fed omega-3 pork: Assessing the long chain fatty acid value
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The abstract for a study testing the omega-3 levels in fat from flax-fed pigs. 300mg of omega-3 per serving are needed for a product to be classified as enriched, so the fat from pigs fed 0, 5, or 10% flax was tested. All cuts tested from the 5 and 10% diets were high enough to be considered enriched. Eicosapentenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) increased with increased flax, but docosahexaunoic acid (DHA) was unaffected.
Dietary ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acid ratios affect the immune responses of newly weaned pigs challenged with E. coli lipopolysaccharide
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The abstract for a study testing the effect of varying the ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acid ratio and source in diets on the immune response to E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Rectal temperature and area under curve (AUC) for the cytokine IL-1β showed no difference between diets. AUC for the cytokines IL-6, TNFα, and IL-8 was increased for the 5:1 plant treatment, but it is not yet clear if the increased response is beneficial or not.
Enzymes enhance degradation of DDGS, revealed by in vitro gas production and microscopic examination
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The abstract for a study testing the effect of enzymes on corn and wheat DDGS. Gas production and carbohydrate fermentation was tested for a diets with the addition of carbohydrate- degrading enzymes (C), C with protease (P), and a control. Gas production was higher for corn DDGS, and the highest with C. VFA was similar, but the highest was corn DDGS control or C. The fibre-starch-protein matrix of corn DDGS was further degraded than wheat DDGS. Digestibility can be improved with carbohydrate-degrading enzymes and is higher for corn DDGS, but adding protease does not improve or actually decreases digestibility.