Increased adaptation time improves pig response to functional amino acid supplementation
A previous study conducted at the Prairie Swine Centre and the University of Saskatchewan revealed improved performance of pigs under Salmonella infection when fed functional amino acids (FAA) above requirements for growth. Here, researchers attempted to assess whether a longer adaptation period to FAA supplementation...
by
Ken Engele
Impacting greenhouse gas emissions through diet change
Understanding the impact of nonconventional ingredients in swine diets on the environment is important; specifically how they may alter manure output and GHG emissions. Increasing dietary fibre may increase hindgut fermentation and the production of GHG emissions, but might not affect performance of the pigs...
by
Ken Engele
Feed Processing Reduces Feed Toxicity
Ergot has long been known to have detrimental effects when fed to pigs, and a producer’s best option is to avoid feeding ergot contaminated grains. Currently, visual inspection is the most practical method for reducing the risk of ergot toxicity, however sorting based on appearance...
by
Ken Engele
Feed processing to reduce ergot toxicity
Ergot has long been known to have detrimental effects when fed to pigs, and a producer’s best option is to avoid feeding ergot contaminated grains. Currently, visual inspection is the most practical method for reducing the risk of ergot toxicity, however sorting based on appearance...
by
Miranda Smit
Does creep feed have any benefits?
Creep feeding is a common practice throughout the pork industry. There are a number of perceived benefits, including provision of nutrients, higher weaning weight, and improved transition at weaning, however, these benefits only occur if the creep feed is consumed. Feeding simple diets, such as...
by
Miranda Smit
Long-term feeding of graded levels of deoxynivalenol in grower-finisher pigs
Mycotoxin-contaminated grains are commonly downgraded for use in livestock feed and, while the best strategy for producers is to avoid feeding mycotoxin contaminated grain altogether, this may no longer be possible. Therefore, strategies that allow the use of these grains in livestock feed are necessary....
by
Miranda Smit
Examining the effectiveness of providing functional amino acids to enhance pig robustness
Pigs are continuously exposed to microbial pathogens and immune- stimulatory antigens that have a negative impact on productivity. Pigs exposed to immune challenge, without exhibiting any clinical signs of disease, show reduced appetite and growth and less efficient use of nutrients compared to healthy pigs....
by
Miranda Smit
Creep feed source: What is effective and what do piglets prefer?
While creep feeding continues to be widely used in swine operations, the effectiveness of creep feeding to improve pre- and post-weaning performance is up for debate. We conducted a study to determine whether provision of creep feed is beneficial and whether this is dependent on...
by
Miranda Smit
Long-term feeding of graded levels of deoxynivalenol in grower-finisher pigs
Mycotoxin-contaminated grains are commonly downgraded for use in livestock feed and, while the best strategy for livestock producers is to avoid feeding mycotoxin-contaminated grain altogether, with the increased incidence and level of contamination this is no longer a viable option. Therefore, strategies that allow the...
by
Miranda Smit
Feed processing to reduce ergot toxicity
Wheat and rye screenings heavily contaminated with ergot (400 to 500 ppm) were subjected to either steam explosion (200 psi) or pelleting to evaluate the impact on toxicity. Total ergot content decreased 40 to 60% with processing, with a greater decrease associated with more drastic...
by
Miranda Smit