The Effect of Ergot on the Performance of Weanling Pigs
Ergot reduces the quality of grain as a number of poisonous alkaloid-containing ergot sclerotia have replaced grain kernels. If these grains end up in the feedstuff of swine it may impair development and growth and decrease hormone concentrations like prolactin. The level of ergot that...
Feeding Level Affects Barley DE Measurements in Grower Pigs
Nutrient content and feeding level of diets used in DE content measurement for grains prevent voluntary feed intake measurements and practical conditions are not reflected. Three barley samples with different fibre content were studied to look for differences in voluntary feed intake. Performance and voluntary...
Response to Dietary Energy Concentration and Stocking Density in Weaned Pigs
The primary limitation to growth in the young pig is assumed to be the gut capacity since it limits their daily energy intake. Increasing the dietary DE concentration seems to be an effective way to overcome this issue, but by doing this the cost of...
Effect of Gender and Crowding on Variation in Days to Market
Variation in the production chain has a large economic impact. Variation of growth due to gender and crowding during the grower-finisher phase were examined. Less crowding reduced days until market by four days. Holding gilts longer than barrows may be beneficial as barrows reached market...
Thermoregulation of the Nursery by Early Weaned Piglets Through Operant Conditioning
Growing swine health and productivity is affected by thermal environment, especially in newly weaned piglets as they require warmer temperatures. Pigs were taught how to respond to heat rewards through operant conditioning and control their thermal environment so they can select the optimal temperature. As...
The Impact of Feeder Adjustment and Group Size/Density on Weanling Pig Performance
Nursery performance is negatively affected when crowding or reduced floor space increases ear chewing, tail-biting and side-nudging. Crowing often leads to decreased feed intake. Feeder adjustment may work synergistically with adequate floor space to improve pig performance. Reduced crowding is favoured as it increases body...
Mask Use in Swine Barns Reduces Health Effects
Dust and gas exposure is common in swine barns. Workers exposed are at a higher risk of having decreases in lung function levels, developing respiratory symptoms and increases in airway reactions. To reduce exposure, workers should wear a disposable respirator while in the barn. This...
Clogging and Flow Reduction in Soil Materials by Ponded Hog Manure
An economically viable option for storing manure is using earthen manure storage. Proper construction and soil materials are crucial to avoid contamination. Soil pores can be clogged by liquid hog manure, though this clogging is a surface effect and can be easily disturbed. Properly chosen...
Influence of Hog Manure Application on Water Quality and Soil Productivity
Impacts of organic fertilizers on the environment are not known on ecosystems that are semi-arid to sub-humid. Hog manure is a source of nutrients as a fertilizer and more research should be done to understand its impact. The presence and potential pollutants in the soil,...
Particle Size Reduction and Enzyme Supplementation Reduce Nutrient Excretion
Long-term sustainability of the swine industry is impacted by nutrient management. In order to reduce the nutrients phosphorous and nitrogen being produced at operations, some strategies that can be used are particle size reduction and enzyme supplementation. To reduce phosphorous excretion, the addition of phytase...