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Zephyr Piglet Gun

WShannon
EthologyManagement
November 3, 2020

Euthanizing piglets is an ongoing area of research as it is emotional for the workers involved. Blunt force trauma is effective if done correctly but this method could use improvement. The Zephyr Piglet Gun involves a non-penetrating captive bolt which can euthanize neonate, suckling and weaned piglets up to 9 kg. It is a highly effective, single step method for euthanasia. Cardiac arrest occurs in less than 15 minutes and involuntary movement ceased in less than 5 minutes. It is lightweight, effective and safe for staff, with a cost of $700. With a mortality rate of 10%, a 4000 sow unit would euthanize 10,000 piglets per year, having each use cost 0.07 cents. Smaller pigs often have longer periods of convulsions so it is important for staff to be properly trained to expect this.

Zephyr Piglet Gun (full article)

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Research Areas
EngineeringEthologyManagementMediaNutritionOntario PorkProductionSwine Innovation Porc

Engineering

  • Optimizing temperature requirements of pigs to reduce energy use in swine production
  • Investment cost and payback period of a modified prototype livestock trailer
  • Alternative energy and heating sources

Nutrition

  • Transepithelial ion transport in the stomach of pigs exposed to gastric ulcer conditions
  • Developing an Indigestible Protein Index to Investigate the Effects of Dietary Protein in Pigs
  • Impact of fibre on performance and intestinal health of pigs fed a high indigestible protein level

Ethology

  • The influence of straw enrichment on hair hormone concentrations, behaviour, and productivity of growing pigs
  • Rearing pigs with play opportunities: The effects on disease resilience in pigs experimentally inoculated with PRRSV
  • Promoting play behaviour in grow-finish pigs

Management

  • Quality of Life Handbook – The use of environmental enrichment
  • Seek and you shall find; The value of postmortem, in pigs?
  • P1 development strategies for peak performance

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