Low crude protein for post-weaning diarrhea
Michael Bosompem, Michael Wellington, Andrew van Kessel – A recent study examined whether lowering crude protein levels in nursery pig diets could help reduce post-weaning diarrhea caused by rotavirus and E. coli infection. Researchers compared standard diets with low-protein and...
PEDv rapid test
Bernardo Predicala – A study evaluated a rapid test kit for detecting Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) in Canadian swine herds. The study confirmed that the RT-LAMP–based kit could successfully detect North American PEDv strains in infected pigs, providing results...
Precision detection of farrowing onset and distress using advanced artificial intelligence technologies
Farrowing is a critical stage in pork production, however barn workers may not be present for the onset or duration. Use of detection systems may improve health and welfare in this period. Over 1,000 annotated and labelled images were collected...
Mitigating mycotoxin contamination from grains used in swine feed through nanotechnology
Mycotoxin contamination can be a concern for producers resulting from adverse health issues in livestock and significant financial losses in the agriculture sector. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a significant mycotoxin, contaminating common feed grains, such as wheat, barley and corn. Mitigation...
Improving feed efficiency in pork production through individual thermal efficiency index
Feed efficiency is essential in pork production optimizing growth and maximizing nutrient use. This project will validate the use of thermal efficiency index (TEI) for evaluating feed efficiency in growing pigs. This study investigated the relationship between thermal efficiency and...
The influence of gestational vitamin supplementation on sow and piglet performance
Past research has shown that increased supplementation of certain vitamins can enhance parameters such as conception rates, litter size, and the passage of maternal immunoglobulins; these experiments generally include increased provision of one or two vitamins. To understand the impact...
Optimizing temperature requirements of pigs to reduce energy use in swine production
This project by Bernardo Predicala set out to investigate the optimum environmental temperature requirements of sows and grower-finisher pigs, reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining long-term overall productivity and performance. The project consists of four phases: in...
2026 PSC Producer Meetings Presentations
2026 PSC Producer Meeting Presentations In collaboration with Zoetis, PIC Canada, and Nutrition Partners AGENDA “Intro – PSC celebrating 35 years” Murray Pettitt, Ph.D. – CEO at Prairie Swine Centre Murray welcomed all participants and gave a short overview of...
Improving sow management and performance using precision feeding records
In 2029, Canadian pork producers will need to make the transition to group sow housing, following the updates to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs. This project addresses the timely issue of assisting producers in...
Influence of dietary nitrogen content and source on growth performance in finisher pigs
Low-protein diets may be nitrogen-deficient for optimal growth in pigs. Previous work showed a benefit in grower pigs when dietary nitrogen, either through protein or non-protein nitrogen, was increased. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of...
Investigation of Saskatoon berry pomace for mitigation of AMR in swine production
Pomace, the pressing remains of fruit, is known to be rich in phytochemicals, such as polyphenolic compounds, which possess anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and/or anti-oxidative properties. These characteristics may protect the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and act as an alternative to in-feed...
Creep feeding and piglet development: new format and formulation approaches
Weaning is stressful for piglets, especially for fast-growing piglets who may show signs of anemia. Providing creep diets to piglets can potentially reduce weaning stress and improve piglet health, however pellet size may affect their interactions and motivation to eat...
