Evaluation of corn grain with the genetically modified input trait DAS-59122-7 fed to growing-finishing pigs

Posted in: Production by admin on January 1, 2009 | No Comments

A growth performance experiment was conducted to assess the feeding value of a double-stacked transgenic corn grain for growing-finishing pigs. This modified transgenic grain is resistant to western corn rootworm and is also tolerant to herbicides containing the active ingredient glufosinate-ammonium. It was concluded that the nutritional value of the modified transgenic corn grain containing event DAS-59122-7 was similar to that of the nontransgenic near-isoline control.

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

Genetic relationships of body composition, serum leptin, and age at puberty in gilts

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

The objective of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms in the leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), paired box 5 (PAX5), aldo-keto reductase (AKR), and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) genes were associated with age, leptin concentration, backfat as an indicator of body condition, or BW at puberty in 3 lines of gilts and to characterize genetic relationships among these traits. The results are that a QTL that can decrease age at puberty without increasing BFP and BWP at puberty may exist in this region.

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

Mitochondrial DNA sequence variations in some Italian wild boar populations

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

In order to investigate the relationships between Italian wild boar and major pig breeds, the genetic variability of four wild boar populations in Italy (Arezzo, Pisa, Parma, Bergamo) using a 533-bp fragment of the mitochondrial control region was studied. The findings suggest that in Italy wild boar populations have a mixed origin, both EU and AS, and that an interbreeding between wild and domesticated strains has probably occurred.

For more information the full article can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1439-0388/issues

Protein digestibility of porcine colostrum by neonatal pigs

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

Determination of the digestibility of amino acids in colostrum will provide information about the amount of each
amino acid available from colostrum to the neonate. Requirement of individual amino acids can be accurately estimated
considering digestible amino acid contents rather than total amino acid contents. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the digestibility of proteins in porcine colostrum when fed to neonatal pigs. Considering limited fermentation in neonatal hind gut and infeasibility of ileal cannulation of neonatal pigs within a short recovery period, total track digestibility was measured to provide meaningful values. It was found that nearly all of the proteins and amino acids in porcine colostrum were absorbed by the small intestine of neonatal pigs. The high digestibility of non-immunoglobulin proteins from colostrum is consistent with its enormous nutritional importance for the survival, growth and development of the gut, as well as whole body growth and development. Findings from this study with piglets provided new invaluable information about the bioavailability of proteins in colostrum for neonates.

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

Organic Food and Farming Certification

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

In June 2009 the Canadian government published the Organic Products Regulation to regulate organic certification in Canada for organic products. Details on this new regulation are available on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Canadian Organic Office website and at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2009/2009-06-24/html/sor-dors176-eng.html. The new regulation will be implemented on June 30, 2009.

Competing in the International Pork Market

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

On June 5, 2008, the provincial government unveiled the long-term strategy and announced an investment of $356 million to stabilize and strengthen Alberta’s livestock industry through the transition toward a new competitive model. This strategy also unveiled mandatory traceability and the development of a new Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA). Recognizing that producers are aware of the need to target a product that consumers are prepared to pay a fair price for, open access to these markets and consumers is essential. Production and processing are dependent not only on access to affordable feed grain; regulatory requirements; labor costs and availability; technology adoption and management expertise, but also on investment dollars. ALMA has recognized the need to attract investment into Alberta, particularly from end-users overseas who may have an interest in further integrating their supply chain with a Canadian supply capability. ALMA is still very much in the organization-building stage. We are anticipating full incorporation by January 2009 and to be operational as an independent entity by April 1, 2009. In preparation, we have been in discussion with industry to further align marketing, supply chain and research strategies. Programs for supply chain development, including automation and product development, should be ready to roll out with the new fiscal year.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

“MRSA” is a short form for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In the
media, MRSA is often described as a “superbug”. It is definitely a serious
human health issue that is evolving from a problem confined to hospitals to a
much more general concern and certainly deserves attention. A variety of spa types have been isolated from pigs and their human
contacts, however the majority of those spa types are classified as sequence
type (ST) 398 by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), suggesting that ST398
strains are somehow more adept at colonizing pigs and can be transmitted
between pigs and their human contacts. It is now thought that ST398 S.
aureus is truly a pig (or food animal) origin strain. It is becoming increasingly clear that MRSA is widely distributed in the pig
population internationally. Currently, there is no information about whether
MRSA eradication is possible (or necessary) on farms. The possibility that MRSA may be a foodborne pathogen is of concern for the pork industry, largely because of concerns about consumer confidence given
the high profile nature of this pathogen. Studies are ongoing to determine
sources of pork contamination and determine the relevance of contamination.
Realistically, safe meat handling practices that are already recommended
should be adequate for MRSA, and education of consumers may be the main
need.

Possible reasons for the high variability of the digestible energy content of field peas in pigs

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

A sequential in vitro hydrolysis of starch was carried out to mimic digestion in
the stomach and small intestine of the pig (pepsin 120 min + mixture of
pancreatin, isomaltase and maltase for 240 min). Samples were taken at
different times and analyzed for glucose. The rate of fermentation of the
residues of hydrolysis was measured after incubation in a solution containing
bacteria collected from pig large intestines and estimation of the amount of
gas produced after fermentation. Differences in starch hydrolysis were
observed after 140 min of incubation. The Camry and Cooper pea cultivars
presented the highest rate of hydrolysis (98 and 91%, respectively) and Midas
and Montero the lowest (75 and 74 %, respectively; P < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between the rate of starch hydrolysis and the NDF content of peas (r = -0.55; P = 0.036). The residues of hydrolysis of the Midas and Montero cultivars presented the highest rates of fibre fermentation (P < 0.001) in the large intestine, expressed by the total amount of gas produced after fermentation (252 and 254 ml, respectively; P < 0.001) and Sage, the lowest (232 ml of gas produced). The latter cultivar had also the highest NDF content (205 vs 132-186 g/kg DM for the other cultivars).

Community Impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Indiana

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

The expansion of confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Indiana has been controversial. The purpose of this research was to learn more about the issues and the impact of CAFOs on local communities. It was found that CAFOs in the survey are mainly operated by younger more well‐educated managers than what we broadly see in agriculture. Also, placement of a CAFO will provide rural jobs, including part‐time, flexible hours work. Rural managerial opportunity for beginning farmers and opportunity for local sale of feed grain products. Finally, impacts of a CAFO on the community economy will be unevenly dispersed as only a few individuals & businesses will realize direct impacts. However, indirect impacts will be realized such as through the net change in economic activity and through the impact on public costs and receipts.

Effect of Corn price on Profitability of Control Vs Phytase Enhanced Diet of Hogs

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

The purpose of this research is to document the findings of the recent field trials in Oklahoma that tested the effect of phytase enhanced diets on reducing phosphorus emission. An economic simulation model (SIMETAR) was constructed to investigate whether reduced nitrogen and phytase enhanced diets had a significant effect on reducing feed cost. In particular, the effect of future corn price on cost of control vs Phytase enhanced diet of hog will be documented. It is found that the lower excretion diet will be less costly than the control diet during this unprecedented level of soaring corn prices. Also, previous researchers have found that the control diet is not environmental friendly diet. . A key issue that has emerged is the role of animal waste products. During the “cheap energy” era of the 1990’s animal waste products were internalized by hog producers as costs. Given the rise in energy prices and its commensurate effects on fertilizer prices, it’s possible that animal waste products have crossed the threshold from an internalized cost to an external benefit. Swine effluent is rich in nitrogen and phosphorous and can be a substitute for inorganic sources of nutrients if economic conditions are sufficiently favorable. It is necessary to assess economic profitability under high energy and feedstock prices.