Feeding wheat millrun to starter pigs

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on August 9, 2016 | No Comments

Authors: H. Garcia, L.F. Wang, J.L. Landero, E. Beltranena, M. Cervantes, A. Morales, R.T. Zijlstra

Source: Western Hog Journal Fall 2015

This study aims to test whether wheat millrun can be used to replace soybean meal and wheat grain in stage three weaner pig diets. Diets were formulated containing either 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 per cent wheat millrun in substitution of up to 15 per cent soybean meal and 5 per cent wheat grain. After the pigs had been fed stage one and two diets, the were fed the experimental diets for 21 days.

Feed intake, growth, and final body weight was not affected by wheat millrun inclusion. Feed conversion improved as more wheat millrun was included. Increasing wheat millrun reduced apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy, but not of crude protein. Diet digestible energy values remained constant.

Given proper diet formulation, wheat millrun can be included up to 20% in nursery pig diets, replacing 15% soybean meal and 5% wheat grain. This can decrease the cost of diets, thereby increasing the margin for profit.

Feeding Wheat Millrun to Starter Garcia

Feeding lower energy diets to hogs

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on August 4, 2016 | No Comments

Authors: Miranda Smit, Jose Landero, Malachy Young, and Eduardo Beltranena

Reference: Western Hog Journal Spring 2015

Feed represents the most expensive input in swine production. However, there is little data concerning the responses of hogs to different energy densities. This trial examines the effects of feeding lower than conventional net energy (NE) level diets.

30 kg hogs were fed diets that contained either 2.4, 2.3, 2.2, or 2.1 Mcal NE/kg. Pig body weight and feed disappearance were measured until the hogs were shipped.

Average daily gain was not affected by energy level, and average daily feed intake was higher for those diets containing less energy. The total calories consumer per pig remained the same. Dressing weight was not affected by feed energy level. Feeding a lower energy level diet saved approximately $10 per pig, but also caused the pigs to reach market weight a few days late.

Hogs can successfully be fed diets containing reduced energy levels, so long as they are able to eat more feed.

Low enegry diet feeds Smit

Manitoba’s PEDv research supports local industry

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on | No Comments

Authors: Hein Min Tun, Jacqueline Donogh, Ehsan Khafipour, Darlene Meakin

Reference: Western Hog Journal Spring 2015

PEDv represents a significant threat to swine production. In order to better resist spreading of the virus, it must be understood. Little is known about the longevity of PEDv in manure lagoons. Understanding PEDv survival in lagoons can help to develop strategies of dealing with lagoons that can minimize the chance of disease spreading.

This study tested levels of PEDv in the lagoons of 2 Manitoba swine barns that had tested positive for PEDv. Lagoon one had been infected 5 months prior to the beginning of the study and lagoon two had recently been infected. In lagoon one, samples were taken at 12 locations of 3 depths. In lagoon two, samples were taken at 16 locations at 2 depths. Both lagoons were monitored at 3 locations at 3 depths for temperature and pH level. Samples were analyzed for total solids as well as survivability and infectivity of PEDv. Samples of fresh manure from the pits inside the barn were also analyzed to determine the activity level of PEDv before the sites were completely emptied of pigs.

After seven weeks of sampling the first lagoon and four weeks of sampling the second lagoon, PEDv was still present. Four weeks past the last shedding, PEDv was still infective. Data past this time is unavailable, as the lagoon froze over and data collection was no longer possible. This means the infectivity may persist much longer. Producers must communicate effectively and strategize accordingly in order to not spread PEDv.

PEDv Research local industry Min Tun

Phytase improves phosphorus digestibility in lactating sows

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on | No Comments

Author: Z. Nasir, J. Broz, and R.T. Zijlstra

Reference: Western Hog Journal Summer 2015

Phosphorus is an important nutrient in swine nutrition. However, most phosphorus present in feedstuffs is in the form of phytate, which cannot be used. To breakdown phytate into a usable form, the enzyme phytase has to lyse phytate to produce a usable form of phosphorus. Swine do not produce sufficient phytase and as such much of the dietary phosphorus presented to swine is lost in feces. Thus swine diets must be supplemented with inorganic sources of phosphorus or phytase. This excreted phosphorus is both expensive and harmful to the environment, polluting sources of water.

This study examined the effects of feeding supplemental bacterial 6-phytase in lactating swine in terms of sow and piglet performance. 3 diets were prepared: one with adequate phosphorus and supplemented inorganic phosphorus, one with inadequate phosphorus without any supplementation, and one with inadequate phosphorus supplemented with phytase. Sows were weighed pre-farrowing, and also on day 1 and 15 post farrowing.

Sow and piglet performance was not affected by any of the three diets. However, the extra availability of expensive phosphorus decreased the cost of the phytase supplemented diet. This makes the addition of phytase an eligible solution to decrease the cost of feed and environmental footprint.

Phytase in lactating sows Nasir

Growth performance, mortality, carcass revenue and cost differences in a commercial production system positive to swine dysentery: A case study

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on | No Comments

Author: Jose Landero, Malachy Young and Egan Brockhoff

Reference: Western Hog Journal Summer 2015

Swine dysentery is an enteric disease that typically effects grow/finish pigs. It is characterized by mucoid or bloody scours, decreased growth rate, and increased feed conversion. Swine dysentery reduces potential profit by decreasing growth rate, increasing mortality, decreasing feed efficiency and increased cost of medication.

Two groups of grow/finish pigs were observed. The first group was fed an ad libitum diet medicated with tiamulin for grower stage 1, 2 and 3, and with lincomycin during finisher phase. The second group was fed an ad libitum diet containing no medication. The barn had previously tested positive for Brachyspira hampsonii, one of the species that causes swine dysentery. Pigs were housed in groups of approximately 250 with bi-weekly additions of straw to the pens. Prior to moving out of the nursery, piglets were vaccinated for circovirus, erysipelas, ileitis and blackleg. Measurements included starting weight, finishing weight, carcass data, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion.

Feed consumption was approximately equal among both groups. Non-medicated pigs has an ~4% lower average daily gain than medicated pigs. Feed conversion was about 5% higher in non-medicated pigs. Signs of swine dysentery were difficult to detect because of the housing style, and were rarely reported. However, swine dysentery was identified in a stool sample. Pigs fed the non-medicated diet took approximately 4.8 days longer to reach market weight and also had double the number of deaths. Taking into consideration the various factors, it is estimated the economic benefit of feeding medicated diets in a swine dysentery positive barn to be approximately $11/pig.

Swine Dysentry Landero

Swine Feed Efficiency: Influence of Temperature

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on February 22, 2016 | No Comments

Pig performance, including feed efficiency, is maximized when animals are kept within their thermoneutral zone. When describing the environmental conditions that the animal is raised in, it is important to realize that there are several factors influencing pig comfort. “Effective” environmental temperature is a better measure than “air” temperature, as it takes into account relative humidity, air movement (velocity), flooring type and condition, insulation of the building, evaporative cooling, and huddling of pigs. Pigs of different size and age have different thermoneutral comfort zones, as younger, smaller pigs have higher temperature requirements and have a smaller tolerance for temperature changes.

Source: Tom G. Miller, Iowa State University, IPIC 25f 2012

Full full document IPIC25f SFE Influence of Temperature

Determining the Optimum Stocking Density in Nursery Pigs

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre, Production by admin on October 26, 2015 | No Comments

Producers must balance the potential negative consequences of high stocking densities and the economic incentive to maximize production when determining the number of pigs placed per pen or building unit. The minimum space requirement in the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs (k= 0.0335) is based on extensive research on grower-finisher pigs. However, comparatively little research has been done on nursery pigs, and there is speculation that these requirements over-estimate the space needs of nursery pigs. The aim of this research project is to determine the optimal density for nursery pigs that considers both production goals and animal welfare. The three year project will be completed in two phases, with phase 1 studies taking place at Prairie Swine Centre and phase 2 taking place in two commercial production barns (one in SK and one in MB). Both phases will compare the effects of six different density treatments in nursery pigs.

INTRODUCTION

Floor space allowance is a complex issue in swine production, and one that is critical for both economic and welfare reasons. There is currently a significant body of research on the effects of space allowances in grow-finish pigs (Edwards et al., 1988, Ekkel et al., 2003, McGlone and Newby, 1994, Pastorelli et al., 2006). The values established have been used as the basis for space allowance requirements for nursery pigs (NFACC, 2014). Relatively little is known regarding the effects of stocking density on nursery pigs (EFSA, 2005, Gonyou et al., 2006). Because nursery pigs are commonly observed to overlie one-another when resting, the k value which is appropriate for finishing pigs may in fact overestimate the space requirements of nursery pigs.

Although individual pig growth declines at higher densities, overall farm productivity can increase as higher numbers of pigs are produced per unit of building space (Kornegay and Knotter, 1984). Thus, the economic optimum for space may be lower than that for achieving maximum growth rate. However, stocking at higher densities can also negatively affect the welfare of the pig, with risk of immune suppression and increased disease susceptibility (Turner et al., 2000) or restriction of pigs’ ability to express normal behaviour.

It has been recommended that evaluations of space requirements for pigs should include changes in the behaviour of pigs, and establish the welfare relevance of such changes, to support calculation of space allowances based on what space an animal needs rather than solely on the basis of production performance (Ekkel et al., 2003). Group size and seasonal differences should also be evaluated or controlled for as these factors may also influence growth and behavior (Hyunh et al., 2005, Spoolder et al., 2012),. It has been suggested that larger groups of pigs may require less space, due to the sharing of free space (McGlone and Newby, 1994). However, this has also been disputed (Street and Gonyou, 2008).

This study will examine measures of productivity and welfare in nursery pigs, and will include an economic analysis comparing space allowance treatments above and below the Code requirement of k= 0.0335.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phase 1

Animals: Density studies at PSCI were conducted using 1,200 newly-weaned pigs that were housed in the nursery for 5 weeks. Piglets were housed at one of six different densities (k= 0.023, 0.0265, 0.0300, 0.0335, 0.0370, and 0.0390) in pens of either 10 or 40 pigs/group. For four replicate trials were completed over a one year period, with one replicate per season.  Pigs were weighed weekly and pen size was adjusted weekly to the prescribed density based on the predicted average body weight. Two temperature and humidity monitors (iButtons) were placed in each pen, suspended approximately 15cm above pig height to monitor conditions at pig level. An additional iButton was suspended in the center of the room to monitor room temperature and humidity throughout the trial.

Data collection: Video cameras were placed above each pen to record pig behaviour for a 24 period once per week. An infra-red setting was used during the hours of darkness. Scan sampling at 15 minute intervals was used to identify laying postures and overlying behavior.  The time budgets of four focal piglets, including the amount of time spent feeding, drinking, standing, lying and socializing were also evaluated for each week. Standard nursery diets were provided ad libitum, and feed weigh backs were recorded weekly. Total feed consumption and animal weights were recorded on a weekly basis.

Lesion scores were assessed weekly as pigs were weighed, and used as an estimate of aggression (Table 1). Saliva samples were collected weekly from four focal pigs for determination of cortisol as an indicator of stress. The immune response was tested in six pigs per pen, with  pigs receiving vaccines for Mycoplasma hyopneumonie. Serum samples were collected at three time points to determine M.hyo specific IgG as a measure of immune competence.

Phase 2

Animals: Two commercial operations with good health status and levels of productivity were identified through industry contacts and provincial pork agencies. One site was selected in Manitoba and the second in Saskatchewan. The same six density treatments used in phase I will be tested. Unlike phase I, pens in phase 2 will kept at a constant size, and the number of pigs per pen will be adjusted based on the expected weight at nursery exit (approximately 25 kg). Animals are fed and cared for following the standard management practices on each farm and information on temperature and humidity within the rooms will be collected using iButton data loggers, similar to the methods used in phase I.

Data collection: Pigs on trial will be weighed to determine average daily gain. At the same time skin lesions, ear tip necrosis, tail biting and general health will be assessed by a trained observer. Morbidity, mortality and any treatments will be recorded throughout the trial. At three time points, time lapse videos will collected over 7 hours. Postures and lying behaviours of the pigs will be assessed using scan sampling, as described for phase I.

The Makings of Stockpeople

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on July 22, 2015 | No Comments

Traditionally, the producer of the swine unit was the stockperson and pig handling skills were passed down from the previous generation. Because of the increasing numbers on Pigs on nowadays farms, the demand of reliable and motivated stockpeople is gaining in the last years. Finding stockpeople with an appropriate character is important to the productivity and welfare of pigs and the future of the farm. As producers hire and train employees as stockpeople, many of them are new to the industry, their attitude and ability can be shaped through constant information and on-farm training of best-management practices for animal handling and movement, animal health diagnosis and treatment and other  topics related to animal care. Research indicates that the productivity of pigs is related to the interaction with stockpersons, so well training people can be a chance for the barn.

Forgotten Fundamentals of Ventilation in Swine Facilities

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on | No Comments

Why do we ventilate?

We ventilate to provide good air quality (IAQ) and a healthier environment for both pigs and people. Improved health will mean improved profits and an easier production system to work with. A good ventilation system should provide fresh air and heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Electrical energy costs for the ventilation system can be in the range from 30% for farrow and nursery facilities up to 80% in the grow/finisher. There are many different ventilation systems available to achieve the goal of good air quality. The ventilation system is typically made of a combination of the components inlets, fans, heating and control panels. Regardless of how simple or complicated the systems are, the goals are the same.  An understanding in pig behavior is essential for a proper management of the ventilation system. There are several factors that should be considered for a proper air quality: temperature, relative humidity, air placement, radiation and other gases. There are several items to gauge the level of IAQ of your ventilation system: temperature gauge, relative humidity meter, static pressure gauge, but even a general observation with your eyes and nose can detect inappropriate ventilation.

Reproductive Technology and Its Impact on Sow Productivity

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on | No Comments

The swine industry is an ever-changing and progressive industry and continued success is dependent on the implementation of new reproductive technologies. The use of improved reproductive technologies can have widespread effects on productivity and profitability in commercial swine operations. The evaluation of the relative fertility of commercial AI boars, the removing of lower fertility boars and the move to single-sire AI programs in combination with advanced AI technologies, holds significant potential economic benefits for the swine industry. Collectively, these technologies improve the use of elite boars with the highest genetic value and improve sow productivity in terms of farrowing rate, litter size and total pigs produced.