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Prairie Swine Centre is an affiliate of the University of Saskatchewan
Prairie Swine Centre is grateful for the assistance of the George Morris Centre in developing the economics portion of Pork Insight.
Financial support for the Enterprise Model Project and Pork Insight has been provided by:
Ontario Pork Research
Posted in: Ontario Pork, Pork Insight Articles by admin on January 29, 2014 | No Comments
Potential research funding was offered to 8 projects in Ontario after Ontario Pork compiled research outcomes into production, economic, societal trends and perception, and innovation priority areas. The projects include a Canadian health claim feasibility assessment report for pork producers, and research on improving understanding of nitrogen nutrition for growing pigs to improve flexibility in feed formulation and reduce nitrogen losses into the environment. As well, studies on minimum duration of teat use required in first lactation to ensure optimal milk yield in second lactation, the relationship between feed, genetics, health, and growth performance up to market weight in pigs, and the effects of zinc oxide on gut microflora and antibiotic resistance were approved. The final three approved research proposals were on the prevalence of iron deficiency in suckling pigs, combining iron-dextran and NSAIDs for use while castrating, and testing for a genetic defect for in-transit deaths in pigs with heart lesions.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Update
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One of the greatest risk of PEDv transmission is the use of contaminated trailers from the USA. 11.4% of trucks were found to become contaminated when unloading at a US slaughter house. To prevent the spread of PEDv it is important to wash and disinfect trailers between use, and it is recommended that transporters have dedicated wear when working in the US. Sow culling assembly yards are another risk for spread of PEDv. Biosecurity visits and load/unload protocols can reduce the risk of contamination in the yards, as well as at other facilities.
Considerations for Providing Quality Space for Loose Housed Sows
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As well as providing sufficient space for sows in group housing, the quality of the space provided should not be overlooked. Quality flooring is important to prevent slipping and provide a comfortable lying areas. The comfort of a lying area can be improved by using rubber flooring, providing bedding such as straw, or providing an area of solid flooring rather than slatted. Including barriers in the pen design can allow sows to avoid aggression from other group members, and promote the formation of subgroups by promoting group lying.Finally, enrichment can help sows express normal behaviour, with straw being a good option.
Impact of Nursery Diet Protein Quality and Fish Oil Supplementation on Immune Response of Pigs
Posted in: Nutrition, Pork Insight Articles by admin on | No Comments
Quality of starter diets appears to have no overall effect on growth performance after nursery exit, but it can impact the immune response. Pigs in this study were fed a low or high protein starter diet with supplemented fish or corn oil, and vaccinated with different antigens. Blood samples were taken 14 and 28 days later to determine the immune response. The supplementation of fish oil lowered the immune response as shown by a lowered IgG1, IgG2, local skin fold thickness, and haptoglobin. The complexity (level of protein) of the diet did not affect the immune response.
Identification of Anorexic Piglets During the First Week After Weaning
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Weaning is a stressful period for pigs, and even with optimal conditions some pigs still seem to fail to eat adequately. By understanding the reason behind this behaviour it could be corrected and nursery performance improved. In this study, fasted pigs were observed to have behavioural changes that did not occur in fed pigs. As well, ketone BHBA levels were raised. Once reintroduced to feed, BHBA levels returned to normal. Body condition scoring was ineffective at distinguishing between fasted and eating pigs, but BHBA levels could potentially be used in the future.
Entire Males for Commercial Pork Production
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Entire males are of increasing interest due to their increased feed efficiency, and the negative public opinion on surgical castration. Entire males have an increased feed efficiency and carcass lean yield compared to barrows, although their growth rate is slightly less. Entire males are currently not allowed in pork production due to boar taint, but immunocastration by the product ImprovestTM may allow similar feed efficiency to be achieved. After the second dose of ImprovestTM, fat deposition and feed intake increase, and carcass lean yield is lower than in entire males (but still higher than barrows). Other methods to control boar taint could be through selection, if the genes responsible for it can be identified. As well, controlling protein and fibre could control the level of androstenone and skatole – which are responsible for boar taint. The use of entire males could provide improved feed efficiency, but changes in pig management and feeding regimes would be required beforehand.
Sow Lameness: Being Aware and Taking Action
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Sow lameness has been recorded in up to 60% of sows in a herd, and is the second most common reason for culling a sow. It can be caused by various factors including disease, flooring, or fighting between sows. Currently, the best strategy for managing lameness is to have routine, recorded observations, and to intervene early on. Mild lameness may be treated with NSAIDs, rubber flooring, isolation, and hoof trims. When possible, the cause of lameness should be determined, and sow management re-evaluated if the prevalence is high in young sows.
Benchmarking Ontario Swine Farms
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Knowing the benchmark for similar farms can allow producers to compare their facilities and set realistic goals for the future. Data from the Ontario Data Analysis Project and Ontario Farm Income Database was compiled to show production and financial values for the average and top performing farms.
Genetic Resistance to Disease
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Genetic markers for disease resistance are difficult to determine due to the complex relationship between environment, host, and pathogen. One theory is that disease susceptible animals have genetic defects in proteins involved in resistance – either in the amino acid sequence, or promoter and regulatory sections. One part of the research in this area identified SNPs on collagenous lectins, and in diseased pigs SNPs for low production/expression were found. A larger scope project looked at over 20,000 genes in the liver, and created a gene expression ratio between the highest and lowest expression groups. Gene variants were identified, and differences between healthy and diseased pigs examined. Identifying the genes responsible for the immune response would allow selection of naturally disease resistant pigs for future breeding.
Antimicrobial Resistance – What is it and Why should you care?
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Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is concerning in both a human and animal aspect. New antimicrobials are unlikely to be developed, so it is important to slow resistance to maintain the effectiveness of the current ones. Antimicrobial resistance happens when a bacteria acquires or develops a gene for resistance. The, since it has increased survival, the gene is likely to spread to a larger portion of the population. Cross-resistance results in bacteria being resistant to multiple antimicrobials, and then the group can be transferred rather than a single gene. Antimicrobial resistance affects pork producers because it can impact animal health, consumer confidence, and occupational health. Currently, surveillance of resistance and prudent use of antimicrobials is the best way to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance.