Free Space Utilization of Sows in Free Access Stalls
Group housing systems can produce more active and social sows, leading to a healthier pigs. It will increase muscle strength and decrease lameness with stronger bones from the ability to move around. An example of a group housing system is free access stalls. The degree...
The Interaction of Group Size and Alley Width on the Movement of Near Market Pigs
The ease and speed of moving near-market pigs is of interest. Packing plants and farms move pigs in different group sizes due to facility design differences. Group size and alley width may affect how easy it is to handle pigs. Results indicate that the ideal...
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...
Comparison of Performance of Radiant and Forced-Convection Heaters in Swine Grow-Finish Rooms
Many energy intensive operations are a part of swine production, including ventilation, lighting, space and creep feeding, power washing and more. Energy prices keep increasing so that it is now the third highest cost of hog production. Ventilation and heating use a lot of energy...
Application of Computer Simulation to Evaluate Potential Measures for Improving Energy Efficiency in Hog Production
Swine production is an energy-intensive industry and prices are only rising. Energy use varies widely in Saskatchewan barns, showing that there should be numerous ways to decrease the energy usage. Numerical computer simulation techniques were used to evaluate measures and strategies to use in swine...
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...