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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:
The Efficacy of Nine Different Feed Additives on Mitigating the Effects of Deoxynivalenol (DON) When Consumed by Growing Pigs.
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Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by fusarium moulds contaminating cereal and other grains, including corn and wheat. Gross symptoms of DON ingestion include vomiting and feed refusal and it can have serious if not dramatic effects on the financial viability of a commercial pig farm. An experiment was conducted with nursery pigs to test the efficacy of 9 different feed additives on mitigating the effects of Deoxynivalenol (2 ppm DON) contaminated feed. Sixty pens of pigs, 4 pig/pen were fed one of 12 diets for the 22 day experiment, beginning 7 days post-weaning. Treatments were a positive control, (non-contaminated corn) a negative control (2 ppm DON) and the negative control supplemented with one of 9 different feed additives, or in one case a combination of feed additives. In conclusion, approximately 2 ppm DON in the diet of nursery pigs will decrease growth and feed intake by almost 10% if consumed for 3 weeks and feed additives, had no effect on ameliorating the effect of the mycotoxoin, regardless of their mode of action.
Productivity and aggression at grouping of grower-finisher pigs in large groups
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A total ofeight 11-wk trials were conducted to evaluate the productivity and aggression at
grouping ofgrower-f inisher pigs [initial body weight (BW)= 31.8 ± 5.4 kg (mean ± SD), n=2304] in two group size
treatments (18 and 108 pigs pen-1). Pigs were housed on fully-slatted floors, provided one wet/dry feeder space for every
nine pigs, and a floor space allowance of 0.76 m2 pig-1 in both group sizes. The level ofaggression at grouping was
recorded for 2 h starting 0, 24 and 48 h following grouping into small and large groups. Pigs were weighed on weeks 0, 2, 5,
7 and 11, and average daily gain (ADG) was obtained. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was recorded during two periods
(weeks 2 to 5 and 7 to 11). There was no difference in percentage of time spent on aggression between two group sizes up to
48 h following grouping. ADG for the entire 11-wk trial was affected (2 %) by large group size (0.971 and 0.955 kg d-1 for
groups of 18 and 108, respectively; P<0.05). However, the greatest effect on ADG was observed during the first 2 wk
following grouping (0.919 and 0.833 kg d-1 for groups of 18 and 108, respectively; P<0.001). There were no significant
effects due to group size on ADFI, feed efficiency, variability in final BW within a pen, carcass traits or mortality and
morbidity (P>0.05). In summary, the overall productivity and aggression at grouping did not differ substantially between
group sizes of 18 and 108 pigs pen-1.
Application of a Biological Treatment Approach to Control Gaseous Emissions from Swine Operations
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Swine barn workers may be exposed to potentially hazardous levels of gases, especially hydrogen sulphide (H2S), generated during in-barn manure handling tasks. This study demonstrated that adaptation of measures developed in another industry with similar environmental concerns (i.e., oil industry) could lead to successful control of gas emissions generated from swine operations. First, the activity of microbial species which are responsible for the generation of undesirable gases and odour precursor compounds in the manure are diminished using a balanced mixture of specific inhibitors, namely nitrite (NO2) and molybdate (Mo). The second mechanism involved stimulation of the catalytic activity of sulphide-oxidizing bacteria that are either indigenous in the raw swine manure or those which are isolated and enriched from the manure in the laboratory and subsequently added to raw swine manure during treatment. These preliminary results indicate the potential for isolation and enrichment of indigenous sulphide-oxidizing bacteria present in the manure. A more detailed study is being conducted to verify the possibility of enriching a sulphide-oxidizing culture from the manure and to assess the activity of the enriched culture in reducing the emission of sulphide from manure slurries. The effect of this treatment on manure nutrient properties will also be examined to determine the possible environmental impact of subsequent land application of the treated manure. This is necessary information to formulate guidelines for pork producers on the proper application of the treatment in actual swine barns.
Benchmarking Energy Costs in Swine Barns
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To assess current energy consumption patterns in swine operations, a survey followed by energy audits were conducted in diff erent types of swine barns in Saskatchewan. Benchmark information showed high variability in the use of energy even among the same type of barns, indicating wide opportunities to improve energy use practices. The next step would be to use computer simulation to evaluate diff erent energy saving measures and to quantify the reduction in energy costs that can be achieved from implementation of these strategies.
Feeding extruded flaxseed to produce omega-3 enriched pork
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Omega-3 fatty acids are well recognized for their human health benefits. The amount of omega-3 fatty acids present in the meat and meat products is low due to extensive use of feed ingredients deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed, a rich plant source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid), has recently gained attention as a source of ALA for growing pigs. Eighty pigs (initial body weight 31±3 kg) were fed diets supplemented with 5, 10 or 15% extruded flaxseed for either 4, 8 or 12 weeks prior to market. Up to 15% extruded flaxseed can be included in the grower and finisher pig diet without any adverse effect on the performance. Feeding extruded flaxseed to pigs results in ALA enrichment of the subcutaneous fat. The consistency of the enrichment improves with the length of time the flaxseed is included in the diet.
Supplementing corn or corn–barley diets with an E. coli derived phytase decreases total and soluble P output by weanling and growing pigs
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The efficacy of an E. coli derived phytase on phosphorus (P) digestibility and excretion, on the form of the P excreted, and the optimal dietary calcium (Ca):P ratio was examined.
In experiment 1, 63 barrows (40.4 ± 1.9 kg) were assigned to receive one of 21 treatments arranged as a 3 × 7 factorial. Treatments consisted of three Ca levels (0.50, 0.60 and 0.70%) and seven phytase treatments [0, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 FTU kg–1 of an E. coli-derived phytase and 500 FTU kg 1 of an A. niger phytase added to a P deficient (0.37% P) diet or 0 FTU phytase kg–1 added to a P adequate (0.53% P) diet].
In experiment 2, 144 pigs (6.52 ± 0.75 kg), received a P adequate (0.60% P) diet or a P deficient (0.44% P) diet supplemented with 0, 250, 500, 1000 or 2000 FTU phytase kg–1 for a 28-d trial. A subset of 36 barrows was then fed the same diets in a balance trial.
In experiment 3, 36 barrows (7.1 ± 0.75 kg) were assigned to one of six treatments arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial (0 or 500 FTU of phytase kg–1; 1.0, 1.6 or 2.2 Ca:P ratio).
In experiment 1, P digestibility improved from 21 to 54% with increasing phytase (quadratic; P < 0.05). Supplementing the diet with 500 FTU phytase kg–1 decreased the output of total and soluble P by 25% in experiment 2 and to a similar extent in experiment 3 at the lowest Ca:P ratio (P < 0.05).
The effect of phytase on total P digestibility was mitigated as the dietary Ca:P ratio increased in exp. 3. Supplementation of swine diets with an E. coli derived phytase decreases output of total and soluble forms of P, but this effect is reduced at high dietary Ca:P ratios.
Reducing Energy Costs in Swine Barns
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Swine production involves energy intensive tasks. With increasing energy prices, reducing energy use is imperative to reduce overall cost of production in swine operations. The goals of the current phases of this study are to gather benchmark information on current energy usage in swine barns, to conduct energy audits to document energy use practices in various types of swine barns, and to evaluate different applicable energy-saving measures using computer simulation. Twenty-eight (28) different swine facilities participated in the energy survey conducted in February 2007. From each barn, information was obtained on barn energy use and pig production numbers over the past 3 years. Based on the results of the survey, four barns were selected on which an energy audit and detailed energy use monitoring were conducted. Two of the barns were among the highest energy users (per animal) and the other two were among those that used the least energy per animal. Results of the survey and energy audits showed that within each barn type, some barns used significantly higher energy than the overall mean for all barns of the same type while others used substantially less than the mean, indicating that there are significant opportunities for improving energy use practices in some barns to reduce overall energy costs. Understanding the patterns of how energy is utilized in each barn is valuable in determining energy conservation strategies that would work best for each particular operation. The outcome of this project is expected to help guide pork producers in managing the use of energy in their operations more efficiently, thereby reducing overall energy costs. The next step would be to use computer simulation to evaluate different energy saving measures and to quantify the reduction in energy costs that can be achieved from implementation of these strategies.
Effectiveness of a Manure Scraper System for Reducing Concentrations of Hyrdrogen Sulphide and Ammonia in Swine Grower-Finisher Room
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Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a potentially hazardous gas that has been shown to reach elevated levels in swine barns, thus potentially posing a threat to the health and safety of workers and animals. Saskatchewan Labour (1996) stipulates that worker exposure to H2S should not exceed an 8 h time-weighted average of 10 ppm, or a 15 min TWA of 15 ppm. The immediately dangerous to health and life level for H2S is 100 ppm; at this level, olfactory detection is generally desensitized; thus, an exposed individual may not be able to distinguish higher concentrations based on intensity of smell alone. Chénard et al. (2003) found that swine barn workers were at risk of H2S exposure while performing manure management tasks that result in manure agitation, such as pulling pit-drain plugs to clear manure out of under-floor manure channels in swine production rooms. Hydrogen sulfide gas is created by anaerobic degradation of manure (Arogo et al., 2000). Long storage times of manure inside barns can contribute to the anaerobic degradation process, and consequently, to increased risk of generating potentially hazardous levels of H2S when manure is agitated during clear out. A potential method to reduce the production and eventual release of H2S and other manure gases is to remove the manure from the room on a more frequent basis. Voermans and van Poppel (1993) studied six scraper systems designed for swine barns, with and without separate discharge for urine, and found an overall reduction in ammonia (NH3) emissions. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of daily operation of a manure scraper system for reducing the risk of H2S exposure of swine barn workers and animals during in-barn manure handling activities. The effectiveness of a manure scraper system for reducing the risk of barn worker and animal exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was evaluated by comparing gas levels in two swine production rooms, one with a manure scraper system installed (scraper) and the other with a conventional manure pit-plug system (control). Measurements were done over four production cycles; during each 12-week cycle, gas concentrations were measured 4 to 5 times during weeks that conventional manure removal activities were performed in the control room, while the scraper system was operated daily in the scraper room. Daily removal of manure from the scraper room resulted in measured maximum H2S concentrations that were significantly lower (by 90%) compared to the control room. The type of manure removal system had no significant effect on ammonia (NH3) concentration and emission; during each trial, NH3 emission increased in both rooms over the 4 to 5 monitored weeks. The scraper system was also operated in two different modes. These tests revealed that NH3 production was reduced when all the manure was removed from the room compared to leaving the liquid portion on the pit floor surface, although the differences were not significant. The estimated cost of including the scraper system in the construction and operation of a new barn is CDN$1.89 per pig sold, which is 35% less (on a per pig basis) than the cost of retrofitting an existing facility. The manure removal system tested was effective in reducing exposure of workers and animals to H2S, without significant adverse impact on NH3 production. However, given the highly variable nature of H2S production and dispersion within a room, care should always be taken when handling manure inside swine barns.
Comparison of Management Factors Affecting Aggression in Group Housed Sows
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Group housing of sows during gestation involves some degree of aggression when the groups are formed. Although short-lived, this aggression results in scratches to the animals and may affect the farrowing rate. The objectives of this study were to reduce the level of aggression among sows re-grouped within a few days of breeding, using five experimental social treatments. The Familiar treatment appears to have the most potential for reducing aggression. The relatively short fights among familiar sows probably represents reinforcement of social position rather than the establishment of a new hierarchy. The Dominant treatment, which involved the presence of three older animals from a well-established social order, tended to have fewer aggressive events, particularly on the 1st day of group formation. The Exposed treatment, in which the sows had spent 48 hrs together after weaning, but before being stalled for breeding, did reduce the level of injuries, but did not reduce the incidence of aggression compared to the Control group except on the first day. This study also confirmed that providing protective stalling during re-grouping was ineffective on the aggression and the injuries among re-grouped sows.
Flaxseed Meal in Swine Rations: Chemical Composition, Energy Content and Phosphorus Availability
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Flaxseed meal is a by-product of the flax processing industry. There is potential to use FSM as an ingredient for swine; however, prior to including it as a regular ingredient, its full nutritional profile must be determined. This includes determination of the DE and NE values, as well as determining the chemical composition of the meal and the availability of minerals such as phosphorus. FSM contains a high level of total P; however, up to 70% of this is bound by phytic acid and is thus unavailable for absorption by monogastric animals such as pigs. Evaluation of the effects of including microbial phytase into FSM based diets is important when looking at P availability. The first objective was to determine the DE of FSM in both sows and growing pigs through digestibility trials, allowing for the estimation of NE. Individually housed pigs were fed diets containing 0 or 30% FSM (6 gestating sows (200-300 kg) and 8 barrows (70 kg) per diet). FSM was included at the expense of the basal diet, which consisted of barley, wheat, soybean meal, and premix. Celite was included as an indigestible marker. The second objective was to determine the effects of including exogenous phytase (Phyzyme XP 5000G; EC 3.1.3.26, Danisco Animal Nutrition) on P availability. Barrows with average weights of 45 kg were assigned to one of 5 dietary treatments (8 pigs per treatment), each containing 30% FSM with increasing levels of exogenous phytase (0, 575, 1185, 2400 and 2570 FTU/kg diet). The semi-synthetic basal diet was composed of pea starch (50%), Solka-floc® (4%), casein (6%), dextrose (6%), vitamin/mineral premix (2%), canola oil (2%) and FSM (30%). This ensured that FSM was the only source of P, and celite was included as an indigestible marker. It was concluded that flaxseed meal contains, on average, 3520 kcal DE/kg and 2445 kcal NE/kg dry matter. There was no difference between age groups in terms of the DE or NE value of FSM. The crude protein content of FSM is 31.6% DM and the ether extract content is 12.2%. Inclusion of microbial phytase in diets containing 30% FSM significantly improves the apparent digestibility of P, which reduces the need to rely on dietary P supplementation. Inclusion of 575 FTU/kg diet phytase accounted for half of the overall improvement in P digestibility.