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...
Novel strategies to control mycotoxins
Alvin Alvarado, Bernardo Predicala – Mycotoxins in grain, especially deoxynivalenol (DON), are a common problem for pig producers. In North America, most grain samples contain some level of DON, which can reduce feed intake and slow pig growth. Researchers tested...
Comparing groups and stalls – what does the data say?
Shuang Luo, Jen-Yun Chou – Many producers worry that a move from sow stalls to group sow housing could hurt productivity, especially due to pregnancy loss or fertility problems. Researchers looked at records from 12 commercial swine farms in Saskatchewan—six...
Successful floor feeding: how to do it right
Jen-Yun Chou – This is Part 2 of the ‘Barn Insights Series’, which focuses on practical solutions to group sow housing. In this second part, Jen-Yun describes her visit to Dave DeVries’ sow barn in Ontario. They use a floor...
Impact of indigestible protein on nursery pig performance and intestinal health
T.J. Erinle, O.O. Babatunde, J.K. Htoo, S.M. Mendoza, D.A. Columbus – It is unclear what factors are primarily responsible for the negative response to high protein diets. Factors other than total dietary protein content are likely involved. The concept of...
Evaluation, optimization, and field validation of a rapid detection kit for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv)
Bernardo Predicala, Yuriy Kryachko, D. Korber – Accurate and rapid detection of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) is essential for the implementation of control measures. A rapid PEDv test kit from the Philippines showed suitability for detecting PEDv strains in...
Enrichments for phase of production
Miranda Smit, Ken Engele, Jen-Yun Chou- Environmental enrichment plays a different role as pigs grow and age. For example, enrichment for growing pigs focuses mainly on reduction of boredom and stress, improvement of performance, and prevention of damaging behaviours, whereas...
