Assessing Trailer Cleanliness
An important step in maintaining biosecurity is proper washing and disinfection of transport trailers. Visual inspection is not aa reliable assessment for measuring cleanliness. Using microbiological culture works, though the plating of media and incubation time make it somewhat impractical as test results take awhile...
Ventilating Converted Sow Rooms
Ventilation has a large effect on barn operating costs and many aspects of the environment. Using the existing ventilation system in converted sow facilities (from stall to group housing) will lead to over-ventilation during the winter as the minimum ventilation fans are designed for higher...
Prairie Swine Centre Testing Nanotechnology Applications in Pig Industry
Nanotechnology uses small particles and has many applications. One of notice is their antimicrobial properties that could aid in biosecurity and gas emissions of swine barns. Previously, they have been used for filtering air and water purification. The nanoparticle zinc oxide was proven to be...
Effectively Assessing Barn Renovations
A checklist is provided to help make objective barn investment decisions for renovations. Walk around your barn with a flashlight, a ladder and some tools to assess equipment. Four areas that are considered in this checklist are biosecurity, utilities, operation and structural. Walk the barn,...
Geothermal Systems for Heating in Pork Production
Energy costs are increasing over the years and costs can be very high, especially in cold climates. 80% of the energy used in swine barns in Saskatchewan is for heating and ventilation costs. A geothermal system uses ground heat and may be a better option....
Force Plates Assessment
Up to 25% of culling reasons for gilts involve lameness. It is one of the most important welfare issues. More objective quantitative methods are needed to assess lameness in pigs. Force plates analyze weight distribution on limbs in cows and may be useful in sows...
Canola Oil Sprinkling and Low Crude Protein Diet Reduce Respirable Dust and Ammonia Concentrations From Swine Production
Dust and ammonia levels are often high in swine facilities and pose a risk for workers. Methods for reducing these levels are needed in order to keep the workers and animals safe. High levels of nitrogen in the pigs diet can increase ammonia output. Canola...
Comparative Evaluation of Infrared Radiant and Forced-air Convection Heating Systems for Hog Barns
Heating costs in pig production rooms can be expensive. A gas-fired infrared radiant heating system was compared to a conventional forced-air convection heater, which heats the air by the ceiling that is then moved with fans. Heat is transmitted to the surfaces with a radiant...
Transportation of Pigs in Western Canada: Temperatures Within Trucks During Winter and Summer Months
One of the major stressors to pigs is transportation as it involves physical exertion, an unfamiliar environment and psychological and social stress. Death losses occur and are of higher incidence in the summer months. Temperatures vary in seasons and also in the compartments of the...
Evaluating Energy Usage and Various Energy Conservation Strategies for Swine Barns
In temperate regions like Canada, swine production requires substantial energy input. Costs for energy have been rising so that now, utilities are the third greatest expense. Energy conservation measures were examined to look at possible cost reductions. Each barn varies greatly in energy consumption. By...