By using energy efficiently, energy costs can be further reduced. Space heating can be used more optimally to reduce energy usage. Different heating systems were investigated including a heat recovery ventilator with a forced-convection heater, a ground source heat pump...

Temperature and humidity conditions vary significantly in different compartments in trucks that transport market pigs. Transportation of pigs can involve economic losses due to death, reduced meat quality and welfare concerns. More losses are reported in the summer with specific...

Sows in group housing systems maintain room temperatures between 9 to 12°C which reduces energy consumption by 78% compared to gestation rooms at a pre-set temperature of 16.5°C. Since sows can interact with each other, they have more control over...

There are serious gaps in biosecurity, especially related to transportation. There is a need for easier to clean trailers and better sanitizing and cleaning procedures in order to reduce disease transmission. Issues that hinder the cleaning of trailers include downtime...

A significant risk for transmission of swine diseases is pig transportation. This area needs to be researched to see what biosecurity measures can be taken to reduce risk of disease. Visual inspection as a means for assessing cleanliness is not...

Often the quarantine facility is located within 100 m of the breeding facility. This increases contamination risk as some viruses and diseases can spread further, such as PRRS virus which can be transmitted over 9.2 km in the air. Filters...

Sprinkling pigs on-farm, before transport and unloading at the packing plant improve meat quality and pig comfort when it is over 20°C outside. There are no current guidelines on when to sprinkle pigs in hot temperatures. If temperatures are above...

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...

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...

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...

Unique quantum properties are exhibited in nanoparticles as they have at least one dimension in the 1-100 nanometer scale. Nanoparticles have been of use for environmental pollutant treatment and remediation. They are non-toxic and benign environmentally while flexible in deployment...

Substantial energy input is needed in temperate regions for swine production. As energy prices increase, so do the costs, with the third largest variable for swine production being utilities. Energy conservation measures were examined by looking at current energy usage...