Do Peas and Canola Meal have Synergistic Effects when Included in Diets for Growing Pigs?
Canola meal may mask the taste of a field pea diet that has been hypothesized to impact palatability. These two ingredients are often used in diets together as they are produced in Western Canada and have complementary amino acid profiles...
Effects of Altering the Omega-6 to Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio in Sow Diets on the Immune Responses of their Offspring Post-Weaning
Feed intakes are reduced and immune responses are generated at weaning as it is the most stressful time in a piglet’s life. Since omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, they could improve performance post-weaning by altering their immune status. The...
Dietary Omega-6 to Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratios Affect Sow Reproduction and Piglet Performance
Maximizing the reproductive performance of sows is crucial to optimize pig flow and improve the economics of the production of pork. Many nutritional strategies have been used and there is growing interest in using dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids like the...
Dietary Omega-6 to Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratios Affect Colostrum, Sow and Piglet Plasma Fatty Acid Profiles
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have proven health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-6 PUFA’s have the opposite biological activity and since direct competition occurs between them, the ratio is important to maximize the benefits of including omega-3 fatty acids...
Literature Review and Needs Assessment of Housing Systems for Gestating Sows in Group Pens with Individual Feeding
Group housing is a complex system, but it is one that the society is moving towards. There are many options in regard to choosing group housing for gestating sows. The housing systems from lowest to highest welfare are: tethers and...
Effects of Temperament and Floor Space Allowance on Sows at Grouping
Producers are changing their facilities to group housing for sows. Spacious accommodation has been shown to reduce aggression and increase general health but the point of crowding is not known. Observations were made in order to configure space requirements and...
Does Palatability Affect the Intake of Peas in Pigs?
Field peas are an excellent feed ingredient for swine due to the high content in certain essential amino acids and digestible energy. They are also a major source of income for Western Canada farmers. Concerns about feed intake and taste...
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...
Food Court Design for Large Group Auto-Sort for Grow-Finish Pigs
Costs can be improved by improving the ability to sort pigs within their pen. Since large groups are used for grow/finish pens, auto-sort scales are often used. Aggression in pigs is similar in both large and small group sizes, with...
Evaluation of Water Use and Potential Conservation Strategies in Swine Barns
The rate of water use in swine production impacts the overall production cost and the environment. It is usually used for cleaning, animal drinking, cooling and domestic use. The quantity of water use in the different production stages and units...
Evaluation of Methods for Controlling and Monitoring Occupational Exposure of Workers in Swine Facilities
Different management and engineering measures can control the levels of air contaminants like dust and ammonia in swine facilities. This helps lower the safety risk of workers in the barn. Control measures were assessed on their effectiveness on decreasing respirable...
Comparative Evaluation of the Use of Heat Exchanger, Ground Source Heat Pump and Conventional Heating Systems in Grow-Finish Rooms
Profitability of swine production will be improved with any measure that reduces production cost. Using energy efficiently will help reduce the cost of energy. This can be done in the area of space heating. Energy consumption, in barn environment and...
