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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:
Study examines navel dip effectiveness
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on March 9, 2012 | No Comments
A study was done on 500 cows in 13 dairy farms that looked at naval dipping and infection rates. The study tested 4 methods, a new navel dip solution’s, 7% tincture of iodine, o.5 -2% iodine solution, and no dipping at birth. The study found a numerical advantage in using the new dip solution, but researchers found no statistical difference between the methods.
Choice of pen mates does not affect boar mounting behaviour
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on | No Comments
Researchers trying to reduce boar taint and mounting behavior found no significant results. By housing boars with litter mates and feeding them simultaneously researchers found no reduction in mounting behavior compared to boars penned randomly and fed non-simultaneously. Also pen mates and feeding procedure had no effects on boar taint.
Preventing muddy conditions in feedlot pens
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch, Welfare by admin on March 8, 2012 | No Comments
Wet and muddy feedlot pens can be costly to producers. Mud can effect how cows keep warm in winter, increase the cost of gain, and even increase feeding costs. Letting manure build up will prevent water from draining out of the pen when it does rain, which leads to mud build up. Cleaning pens regularly can help prevent these conditions. A small slant in the pen floor can help moisture drain from the pen.
The Welfare of Farmed Fish ‐ FAWC Opinion
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on March 6, 2012 | No Comments
In 1996 a report was done on the welfare of farmed fish. In 2012 there will be a study done again to see if welfare conditions have gotten worse, stayed the same, or gotten better. The new report will also expand on the range of fish being studied because the physiology of different fish can be very different. This article provides an outline of the study to be undertaken.
Foot problems In the feedlot
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch, Welfare by admin on March 5, 2012 | No Comments
Interdigital necrobacillosis also know as “foot rot” is common in feedlots. It occurs when bacteria that is common in feedlots is able to penetrate a cows skin between the toes. This causes lameness and swelling, and discomfort to the cow. This occurs when a cow cuts its foot in winter, or spends prolonged times standing in manure or water in the summer. Pen maintenance is a preventative action to fight the occurrence of foot rot. Anti-biotics have also been proven to cure foot rot, but it is hard to distinguish if a cow has foot rot or some other foot problem which the anti-biotics would not help.
Linking Lameness And Fertility
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch, Welfare by admin on | No Comments
Lameness could be an underlying cost to dairy producers which causes fertility problems. When a cow becomes lame it is being exposed to a stressor. Signals in the cows body will focus nutrients and energy on recovering or fighting the stressor. This will direct nutrients to focus on the immune system instead of reproduction, growth and milk production. Preventing lamness by early identification and treatment can be very beneficial to producers.
Effect of Olfactory Stimulation during Suckling on Agonistic Behaviour in Weaned Pigs
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on February 27, 2012 | No Comments
Research in Spain found that applying a banana sent to the mammary gland of a sow helps improve behavior and milk consumption amongst piglets. A test of 2 groups (control vs. Banana scented) found that the banana scented group was heavier at the time of weaning and had less aggressive behavior. After weaning the banana group showed less aggressive behavior but feed consumption and average daily gain were not different between the two groups .
Iowa State University releases animal‐ag research report
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on February 20, 2012 | No Comments
An annual report of research related to animal agriculture at Iowa State University is available online. The animal science department has included the research projects completed in 2011 for beef, dairy, horses, poultry, sheep, swine and companion animals.
New collar will allow farmers to monitor health of cows using mobile phone technology
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New technology will help farmers keep better track of there herd and help diagnose problems quicker. A cows collar will send a text message to the farmers mobile phone if a cow is going into heat, going into labour or in distress. This project is being taken on by several different groups from different backgrounds such as agriculture, technology and supermarket retail.
International Panel Identifies Priorities for Colic Research
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on February 18, 2012 | No Comments
At a recent symposium researchers released a report that stated their plan to research equine colic. The hope is to help vets diagnose, treat and prevent the disease. Past symposiums have focused on spreading information about colic, as it is the most common cause of premature death in horses.