Moisture Production of Grower-Finisher Pigs: Field Measurements Compared with Theoretical Values
To select the optimal minimum ventilation rate, moisture production equations have to be verified for intensive swine operations for Canadian climates. Under-ventilation leads to high humidity levels and bacterial growth, while over-ventilation increases the cost of heating in the winter. Moisture production levels were measured...
Hydrogen Sulphide Concentration While Pulling Pit Plugs and Power-Washing Rooms
Liquid manure produces hydrogen sulphide which is a life-threatening gas. It is believed that hydrogen sulphide levels may be high when pulling pit plugs and power-washing rooms. Six pig farms were monitored in regard to this hypothesis. All barns that participated in this study had...
Draeger microPac Performance for Hydrogen Sulphide Monitoring in Commercial Swine Operations
Hydrogen sulphide is a major hazard in swine facilities and must be monitored carefully. The monitors are subjected to a harsh environment including high humidity, dust and gas levels. The Draeger microPac unit was evaluated for detecting hydrogen sulphide in pig barns. With calibrations done...
Effect of Extender, Cooling Method and Incubation Time on Storage of Extended Boar Semen at 5°C
The temperature extended boar semen is usually stored at (17-18°C) is difficult to maintain, especially during transport. If the temperature fluctuates, the quality of the semen can be affected but often goes unnoticed. Cooling units could be used during transport if extended boar semen could...
Feasibility Study for Concrete Swine Buildings and Manure Storage Facilities in Western Canada
Most swine facilities in the Prairies are constructed with wood framing and earthen manure storage facilities. Concrete walls may increase the buildings longevity and rodent control. Concrete manure tanks and walls decrease the production facilities annual costs and increases longevity. More information is needed on...
The Impact of Feeder Adjustment and Group Size/Density on Weanling Pig Performance
Nursery performance is negatively affected when crowding or reduced floor space increases ear chewing, tail-biting and side-nudging. Crowing often leads to decreased feed intake. Feeder adjustment may work synergistically with adequate floor space to improve pig performance. Reduced crowding is favoured as it increases body...
Clogging and Flow Reduction in Soil Materials by Ponded Hog Manure
An economically viable option for storing manure is using earthen manure storage. Proper construction and soil materials are crucial to avoid contamination. Soil pores can be clogged by liquid hog manure, though this clogging is a surface effect and can be easily disturbed. Properly chosen...
Earthen Manure Storage Monitoring: PSC Elstow Research Farm Inc.
As the Saskatchewan hog industry grows, so does the publics environmental awareness. This has led to earthen manure storages having higher standards to uphold to. These improvements have not decreased public concern, so solute migration through the liners of different hog manure storages are being...
Oil Sprinkling and Dietary Manipulation to Reduce Odour Control and Gas Emissions from Grower-Finisher Buildings – Laboratory Scale Experiment
Hog barns emit a continuous emission of odours by the ventilation system which have a negative impact on the surrounding area. Canola oil sprinkling and specific pig diets may be able to decrease the gas and odour emissions from swine buildings. Three diets were observed,...
Two-Airspace Buildings Design for Reducing Odour and Gas Emissions from Grower-Finisher Barns
Nearby residents often find odour and gas emissions from swine operations to be a nuisance. Most barns have outside manure storage which increases the odour sources; the outside manure storage and the barn. To reduce the emissions from the area, the manure could be kept...