Ractopamine Hydrochloride and the Environmental Sustainability of Pork Production
Ammonia has odour and environmental implications so the excretion of nitrogen is problematic as this is the main form. Paylean® with ractopamine hydrochloride as its active ingredient improves average daily gain, carcass lean growth and feed efficiency when added to finishing swine diets. Ractopamine may...
Transportation of Pigs in Western Canada: Temperatures Within Trucks During Winter and Summer Months
One of the major stressors to pigs is transportation as it involves physical exertion, an unfamiliar environment and psychological and social stress. Death losses occur and are of higher incidence in the summer months. Temperatures vary in seasons and also in the compartments of the...
Net Energy Content of Canola Meal and Full-Fat Canola Seeds in Swine
Canola meal is often outcompeted with other protein sources as it is perceived to be a poor energy source due to its high protein and fibre content and low oil and starch content. Full-fat canola seeds have a higher oil content and therefore may have...
Evaluating Energy Usage and Various Energy Conservation Strategies for Swine Barns
In temperate regions like Canada, swine production requires substantial energy input. Costs for energy have been rising so that now, utilities are the third greatest expense. Energy conservation measures were examined to look at possible cost reductions. Each barn varies greatly in energy consumption. By...
Weaning at 28 Days. Is Creep Feeding Beneficial?
Creep feeding in the farrowing room is often practiced to ensure the transition to solid feed at weaning goes smoothly. This is important as weight loss and increased disease risk are often noted post-weaning due to the stressful transition. It is possible that the creep...
Comparative Evaluation of the use of Heat Exchanger, Ground Source Heat Pump and Conventional Heating Systems in Grow-Finish Rooms
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 and a stand-alone forced-convection heater....
A Comprehensive Approach to Animal Welfare Science
Animal welfare is found in all levels of swine production, from society and consumers to producers and industry. Approaches to animal welfare include the functional approach, where productive and healthy animals have good welfare. Another approach involves affective states, focusing on how the animals feel,...
Evaluation of Temperature Conditions in Trucks During Transport of Market Pigs to Slaughter in Four Seasons
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 compartments being more affected. Pigs...
Reducing Temperature Requirements for Group Housed Sows to Save Costs
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 their thermal environmental conditions. If...
Assessing Enrichment for Sows
Most research on the different forms of enrichment are done on piglets and growing pigs. In these pigs, some benefits include reduced aggression and fear, fewer behavioural vices and improved growth. Older animals such as sows differ and generally prefer manipulable and destructible enrichments compared...