Minimizing and Managing Ingredients Variability
Variation in nutrient composition of ingredients in livestock feeds needs to be understood to continue with efficient pork production. Ingredients are inconsistent, but feed manufacturers are still expected to produce consistent diets. Buyers and sellers affect the cost and risk associated with variation. If the...
Evaluation of a Biotrickling Filtration System for Treatment of Exhaust Air from a Swine Barn
Biotrickling filters are easier to manage and are smaller in size compared to other exhaust air filtration technologies. To ensure the best design is developed, further work is needed to see what performs best in swine production facilities. An air treatment unit with air cleaning...
A Revolution in Feed Management
Precision feeding technique technology is being developed for feeding pigs daily on an individual basis, maximizing their growth. Phase feeding programs feed based on targeted averages; with faster pigs often being underfeed and slow-growing pigs being overfed. When feeding individual pigs their daily needs, nitrogen...
Early Detection and Interventions for Reducing Lameness in Gestating Sows
The second most common cause of culling is sow lameness, after reproductive failure. Hoof problems are related to good conformation and genetics, but also fully slatted concrete systems. Horn growth increases due to higher pressure exerted from the concrete floor. Claw overgrowth and heel erosion...
Using ‘Translactational Analgesia’ to Reduce Piglet Pain at Castration
Increasing concern from the public is found regarding painful livestock procedures such as castration. Pain medication is not commonly used in piglet castration. Affordable and practical methods for pain medication delivery are needed to increase the acceptance by producers. In cattle, analgesics can be transferred...
The Overall Response of Piglets to Phase One Diets During the First Two Weeks in the Nursery is Not Affected by Creep Feeding or Weaning Weight
As litter size continues to increase, the number of small pigs also rises. It is crucial to ensure survival of these piglets or there are no benefits to larger litters. Immediately after post-weaning, many problems such as poor growth rate, low feed consumption and an...
Focus on Feed Efficiency in Pork Production
Up to 70% of the variable cost of production can be attributed to feed. Having better feed efficiency can largely impact the feed cost per pig. Social, environmental, immunological and management scenarios should be considered when examining feed efficiency. The “Focus on Feed Efficiency” webinar...
Swine Innovation. What Does It Mean for Producers?
Swine Innovation Porc is designed to facilitate research, commercialization initiatives and technology transfer. The goal is to ensure measurable results and adoption of results in the Canadian pork industry. The Banff Pork Seminar provided results that may cut feeding costs by $8/pig marketed. There are...
Developing Strategies for Water Conservation for Producers
Water use can increase the overall production cost of swine operations through wastage and increase in manure slurry volume. Using water more efficiently can be beneficial both economically and environmentally. Water wastage was reduced by 60% when a trough with side panel and constant water...
Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Modulate the Immune Response of Pigs?
The most stressful time in a piglet’s life is weaning. The numerous amounts of stressors present contribute to the post-weaning growth lag which can lead to anorexia and immune reactions. Nutritional strategies may help improve performance when weaning, using techniques such as novel ingredients, highly...
Loading Facilities for Market Hogs: Saskatchewan’s Top 10
Loading facilities can result in longer loading times, increased incidence of rough handling and prod use if poorly designed. Stress associated with this can affect meat quality, carcass and also increase the amount of downer pigs and losses. Ten Saskatchewan barns were observed to see...
Evaluation of Methods for Controlling and Monitoring Occupational Exposure of Workers in Swine Facilities
Reduction of personal exposure to air contaminant levels including ammonia and dust in swine production facilities is possible through containment control studies but must be studied under swine barn conditions too. Selected management and engineering measures were studied, such as high level of cleaning, oil...