Measuring the Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance and Pathogens
Public apprehension about using antibiotics in livestock production is increasing along with concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Measures have been implemented in Canada that include a total ban on livestock feed with antibiotics and strict regulations on using antibiotics as a treatment for sick animals. Producers...
Infrared Camera Tech Measured as Tool for Swine Health
Infrared cameras may be able to identify stressed or sick pigs before they are taken to the packing plant, and may even be able to predict a tendency for poor meat quality. This would improve swine herd health and reduce food safety risks. The software...
Pig Performance and the Economics of Long-Term Feeding of DON-Contaminated Diets
Feedstuffs used for swine diets are often contaminated with mycotoxins. This continues to be a problem as they affect pig performance and can have a negative impact on their health. Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin, commonly contaminates wheat, corn, barley and other feed ingredients....
On-Farm Demonstrations Quench Thirst for Water Knowledge
In an on-farm demonstration, nipple drinkers were replaced with water bowls in the nursery to see how water disappearance was affected. Water disappearance was reduced by 33% when the bowls were used and no negative effects on pig growth performance were noted. As water wastage...
Weaner Transport: Journey Duration Influences Piglet Physiology
Meat quality and animal welfare are negatively affected by transport as it is a stressful experience, but an integral part of pork production. Factors that affect market pigs include stocking density, vibrations, temperature fluctuations, total time off food and water and noise. Weaned piglets will...
Managing Winter Ventilation
Assuming proper ventilation parameters are monitored and daily maintenance and repairs are performed, winter ventilation is not that different than any other time of the year is Saskatchewan. Staff need to be more vigilant on ensuring day to day fluctuations in room temperature are at...
Improving your Barn Environment
A checklist on how to improve your barn environment. Improving your Barn Environment (full article)...
Breeding Sow Mortality and Euthanasia
As pigs are becoming more prolific, the average mortality and euthanasia of breeding sows has doubled to 10%. There are many causes, the main ones were examined. The leading cause of death and euthanasia are prolapses accounting for 25-50% of them. Lameness and serious injuries...
Making Cents of Enrichment
Enrichment can be easily overlooked. It is now listed in the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs that multiple forms of enrichment must be provided to improve their welfare. Enrichment reduces problematic behaviours like belly-nosing and tail-biting. It encourages normal...
Feeding Mycotoxin Contaminated Grain
Moulds and fungi can infect grains and cause mycotoxin production. A number of mycotoxins affect pig performance. The presence of mould or fungi does not guarantee the presence of mycotoxins and there may not be any obvious mould when mycotoxins are present. Temperature and humidity...