Western Hog Journal Summer 2016
Articles in the Summer 2016 Western Hog Journal Include: Science: Seeking the best flooring slat and gap widths Guidelines are being developed to select and design slatted flooring in group sow housing to improve sow comfort and health while maintaining...
Western Hog Journal Spring 2016
Articles in the Spring 2016 Western Hog Journal Include: Hot Issues: “Humane” Pork Wanted in Eastern Canada There is more push for natural, humane, antibiotic-free meat and crate-free raised pigs. Industry News: Alberta Goes to Bat for Producers, Olymel, ATRAHAN...
Western Hog Journal Banff 2016
Articles in the Banff 2016 Western Hog Journal include: Clear Path for Future of Canadian Hog Industry, Pork export Markets and Trade Agreements Three areas to focus on for the future include animal welfare, health and nutrition as well as...
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...
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...
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...
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)
Group Sow Housing Feeding Systems Chart
A chart on the group sow housing feeding systems with pros and cons for each system. Group Sow Housing Feeding Systems Chart (full article)
Nursery Facilities, Auditing Best Management Practices
Weaned pigs require a good environment without drafts, is dry with fresh air, water and feed in order to optimize nursery performance. Out of the 18 nursery facilities audited, management practices were good, though improvement can be made in regard...
Gestation Housing Systems, Auditing Best Management Practices
The deadline to convert to group sow housing systems is 2024. In order to help this transition go smoothly, best management practices were looked at in 24 Canadian farms. Two thirds of the barns that have already switched over use...
Optimum Space Allowances for Nursery Pigs
Economic viability of farms and the health and welfare of animals are affected by space allowances. There is not much information available on the space allowances of nursery pigs. Maximum feed intake and average daily gain are increased when optimal...
Identification, Treatment and Prevention of Shoulder Lesions in Sows
Long periods of lying and poor body condition after farrowing leads to more shoulder lesions. Depending on the farm and sows, 10 to 50% of sows are affected by shoulder lesions. Lying laterally puts pressure on the scapula and can...
