On-farm comparison of Mong Cai and Large White pigs fed ensiled cassava root, rice bran and duckweed

Posted in: Production by admin on January 1, 1998 | No Comments

Basic Options for Swine Production Enterprises

Posted in: Production by admin on January 1, 1997 | No Comments

Four basic options for swine production enterprises are described below. Characteristics of producers and swine operations that may fit each option are included.
:Operate as an independent
:Operate as an independent but “specialize”
:Operate as a contract producer
:Liquidate the operation
:Other options exist

Effect of the estrogen receptor locus on reproduction and production traits in four commercial pig lines

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Over the past 40 yr, litter size has
improved due to management changes, use of superior
dam lines, and through crossbreeding. Selection
for litter size has been reasonably successful in
mice, but the response in
pigs has been extremely variable.
The development of genome maps offers the opportunity
to identify individual genes controlling
reproduction. More recently, associations with genetic variation
at the pig estrogen receptor (ESR) locus have
been discovered. Therefore, the objectives of this research
was to evaluate the effect of the ESR locus on litter
size in a large sample of pigs from four commercial
lines and to measure pleiotropic effects on growth and
carcass traits. The effect of the estrogen receptor (ESR) locus on
litter size was demonstrated in a large sample of pigs
from four commercial lines in which the B allele was
present. It was found that the potential economic value from marker-assisted
selection using the B ESR allele is considerable.
In addition to the positive effects of the ESR B allele
for litter size, a small favorable response was detected
in backfat thickness associated with a small decrease
in average daily feed intake but no effect on growth
rate. Therefore, selection for prolificacy based in part
on ESR genotype should not adversely affect growth
and carcass traits. The only negative effect was a
slight reduction in teat number. The use of this
genotype offers a clear example of economically useful
marker-assisted selection in pigs.

The effect of experience of handling on pigs' willingness to move.

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The effect of dietary inclusion of sugar-beet pulp on the feeding behaviour of dry sows.

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On-Farm Trial to Determine the Durability of Different Concrete Slats for Fattening Pigs

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A full-scale, on-farm trial in a pig building with concrete AYoor slats was initiated. The slats were made from seven diA

Rearing piglets in a poor environment: developmental aspects of social stress in pigs.

Posted in: Production, Uncategorized by admin on July 14, 1996 | No Comments

An investigation of the effect of environmental enrichment and space allowance on the behaviour and production of growing pigs.

Posted in: Production by admin on January 1, 1996 | No Comments

Sustainability Issues of U.S. Swine Production

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Wheat Phosphorus Availability : 2-In Vivo Study in Broilers and Pigs; Relationship with Endogenous Phytasic Activity and Phytic Phosphorus Content in Wheat

Posted in: Production by admin on January 1, 1995 | No Comments

In order to reduce the P concentration in manure, P availability in different plant feedstuffs should be determined. Wheat P availability has been studied by the digestive balance technique on broilers and pigs. Nineteen wheat samples were tested on broilers, giving a mean P retention of 57% (45-7070). P retention was observed to be linearly associated with the endogenous phytasic activity in wheats (r = 0-58; P < 0-05). This variability in P retention cannot be satisfactorily explained by the phytic P content of wheat. Four wheat samples were tested on pigs, giving a mean apparent P digestibility of 40%.