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Industry Partners
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:
U of Guelph livestock centre to kick off with dairy phase
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on January 13, 2012 | No Comments
The University of Guelph plans on building a research facility expected to model sustainable agriculture. The dairy phase will be the first sector built. Swine, poultry and beef sectors could all potentially be added to the facility. The project is a collaboration of the university, the industry and the provincial government.
Weaning at 28 days- Is Creep Feeding Beneficial?
Posted in: Nutrition, Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on January 9, 2012 | No Comments
A study was conducted to see if piglets who were fed creep feed during the final 7 days of farrowing became more accustomed to dry feed, thus eating more in the days after being weaned and avoid growth lag. The study found that creep feeding had no significant effect on a piglets eating habits after being weaned. More research is being done to simulate a more commercial operation.
Million of Piglets’ Lives Can be Saved
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on January 6, 2012 | No Comments
This article talks about a study that will try to reduce piglet moralities through the sows nutrition. The article states that a sows diet is based on what is available and affordable for the producer but not what is beneficial to the sow. It is hypothesized that if a sows diet is tailored to its most immediate needs in the farrowing process the lives of piglets can be saved thus increasing profits for producers.
Research: Chicken’s resilience begins in the egg
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on January 5, 2012 | No Comments
This article discusses a study done to find out the effects hatching temperature had on pathogen resistance. The study consisted of two groups, one group was held at the normal hatching temperatures and had immediate access to food and water, while the other group was kept in a more common commercial setting. When infected with a parasite the first group faired better. This was a preliminary study looking at potential health improvement methods that do not require drugs.
Quantifying and Understanding Tail Biting in Pigs
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch, Welfare by admin on | No Comments
This article tries to make sense of tail biting in pigs and the effects of tail docking. By giving a number value to the condition of a pigs tail at the time of slaughter, researchers were able to compare data sets and make inferences about tail biting. At slaughter it was found that over 50% of pigs suffered some tail biting despite have their tails docked at birth. The damage done to the tails of pigs who had not been docked, was worse then those who had been. In the EU tail docking is prohibited so a lot of research must be done to find the cause and prevention of tail biting in order to increase the welfare of the pigs.
Less Bedding Can Benefit In-Transit Market Pigs
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch, Welfare by admin on January 4, 2012 | No Comments
A study conducted in the United States found that the industry standard of using 4 hay bails as bedding in trailers might not be necessary. The study found using anymore than 3 bails had no significant effect on the pigs welfare. In winter, more bedding is used to supplement heat but after 6 bails there is no change in the effects on the pigs. This study hopes to reduce unnecessary costs to producers.
Skinny cows – A source of sore feet
Posted in: Research Watch, Uncategorized by admin on January 3, 2012 | No Comments
It has long been assumed that skinny cows are a result of lameness. This article argues that in fact lameness is a result of skinny cows. When a cow reduces its body size, especially after calving when its fat reserves are used to produce milk, a shock absorber in the cows hoof called the ‘digital cushion’ becomes smaller. A smaller ‘digital cushion’ in a cows hoof can’t absorb shock like it should when it is normal sized, therefore more pain is caused in the cows feet and there is an increased chance of lameness.
Incubation Can Affect Broiler Leg Strength
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on January 1, 2012 | No Comments
Leg weakness in chickens is one of the major animal welfare concerns in the poultry industry. Researchers tried to discover if incubation techniques have an effect on the skeleton of birds. Researchers were able to demonstrate repeatable effects on bone characteristics and leg strength in broiler chickens hatched from eggs incubated under higher (0.5°C) temperature conditions.
Effect of Varying Light Intensity on Welfare Indices of Broiler Chickens
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Research Watch by admin on | No Comments
Studies were conducted to see the effects low-level lighting had on ocular, immune, fear and leg health of broiler chickens. There was found to be no negative effects on the welfare of the birds. The study suggests that switching to low-level lighting will help reduce hyperactivity, pecking damage and energy costs.
Housing and Management of Layer Breeders in During Rearing and Production
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This article discusses some handling practices that will yield the most economic value for poultry producers. In the early stages good brooding conditions, high feed quality, and good chick management are important. Also making birds familar with drinkers, feeders and nests is crucial. Collection of floor eggs should be done several times a day if necessary. Later nutrient requirments can be met with phase feeding.