On-Farm Demonstrations Quench Thirst for Water Knowledge
In an on-farm demonstration, nipple drinkers were replaced with water bowls in the nursery to see how water disappearance was affected. Water disappearance was reduced by 33% when the bowls were used and no negative effects on pig growth performance were noted. As water wastage...
Weaner Transport: Journey Duration Influences Piglet Physiology
Meat quality and animal welfare are negatively affected by transport as it is a stressful experience, but an integral part of pork production. Factors that affect market pigs include stocking density, vibrations, temperature fluctuations, total time off food and water and noise. Weaned piglets will...
Comparison of Performance of Radiant and Forced-Convection Heaters in Swine Grow-Finish Rooms
Many energy intensive operations are a part of swine production, including ventilation, lighting, space and creep feeding, power washing and more. Energy prices keep increasing so that it is now the third highest cost of hog production. Ventilation and heating use a lot of energy...
Application of Computer Simulation to Evaluate Potential Measures for Improving Energy Efficiency in Hog Production
Swine production is an energy-intensive industry and prices are only rising. Energy use varies widely in Saskatchewan barns, showing that there should be numerous ways to decrease the energy usage. Numerical computer simulation techniques were used to evaluate measures and strategies to use in swine...
Managing Winter Ventilation
Assuming proper ventilation parameters are monitored and daily maintenance and repairs are performed, winter ventilation is not that different than any other time of the year is Saskatchewan. Staff need to be more vigilant on ensuring day to day fluctuations in room temperature are at...
Improving your Barn Environment
A checklist on how to improve your barn environment. Improving your Barn Environment (full article)...
Breeding Sow Mortality and Euthanasia
As pigs are becoming more prolific, the average mortality and euthanasia of breeding sows has doubled to 10%. There are many causes, the main ones were examined. The leading cause of death and euthanasia are prolapses accounting for 25-50% of them. Lameness and serious injuries...
Making Cents of Enrichment
Enrichment can be easily overlooked. It is now listed in the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs that multiple forms of enrichment must be provided to improve their welfare. Enrichment reduces problematic behaviours like belly-nosing and tail-biting. It encourages normal...
Feeding Mycotoxin Contaminated Grain
Moulds and fungi can infect grains and cause mycotoxin production. A number of mycotoxins affect pig performance. The presence of mould or fungi does not guarantee the presence of mycotoxins and there may not be any obvious mould when mycotoxins are present. Temperature and humidity...
Group Sow Housing Decision Tree
There are multiple group housing systems to choose from for sows. This decision tree may be helpful in making the right choice for you. Group Sow Housing Decision Tree (full article)...