Porcine Circoviral Disease – From Inception to Successful Control
Porcine Circovirus Diseases (PCVD) were first described in the 1990’s in Canada as Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome which affected grower and nursery pigs by respiratory disease, wasting, enlarged lymph nodes, pallor, enteritis and jaundice. It is caused by porcine circovirus...
Handling Stress During Marketing of Pigs from Large Groups
Pigs from conventional small groups are less socially tolerant compared to pigs from larger groups and fight more when in re-grouping scenarios such as marketing. Pigs from large groups are easier to load and handle as well. Fewer deaths have...
Comparison of Management Factors Affecting Aggression in Group Housed Sows
When groups are formed in group housing of sows during gestation, some degree of aggression is present. This may affect farrowing weight and increases number of scratches, even though the aggression is usually short lived. Sows that were re-grouped within...
Productivity of Sows and Gilts in Various Management Programs with ESF
Numerous consumer groups are advocating for group housing for sows due to the restriction of movement in gestation stalls. Ensuring appropriate feed levels and minimizing aggression can be challenging in group housing. Electronic sow feeders are an option for group...
Electronic Sow Feeder: A Preliminary Report
Housing of gestating sows is one of the more controversial aspects of pig production as they are one of the most restrictive practices in livestock production. Group housing systems may solve this problem for gestating sows with the electronic sow...
Reducing Water Waste from Nipple Drinkers by Growing-Finishing Pigs
In order to reduce costs in he swine industry, wastage must be known, such as water wastage. Water waste from drinkers are very different depending on the management and drinker type. If the drinker is not at the recommended level,...
Growth Rate and Age at First Estrus: Impact on Managing the Gilt Pool
An effective gilt management system involves identifying select gilts below market weight and having appropriate weights at first breeding. An important tool to achieve these is to induce first estrus with early stimulation from boars. Producers often delay inducing the first...
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...
Manure Management in Zero Till Systems
A broader range of nutrients can be provided with manure fertilizer compared to inorganic products. In order to properly use manure, nutrient and soil analyses are needed. Nutrient take time to be released after application of manure; in cattle, they...
Effects of Nipple Drinker Height and Flow Rate on Water Wastage in Grower and Finisher Pigs
Water wastage is an unnecessary cost in pig barns. On commercial farms, water wastage is as high as 40-60% compared to previous findings that grower/finisher pigs wasted 25% from nipple drinkers. The difference in these numbers could be due to...
Mask Use in Swine Barns Reduces Health Effects
Dust and gas exposure is common in swine barns. Workers exposed are at a higher risk of having decreases in lung function levels, developing respiratory symptoms and increases in airway reactions. To reduce exposure, workers should wear a disposable respirator...
Evaluation and Demonstration of Deads Composting as an Option for Dead Animal Management in Saskatchewan
As the hog industry expands, new advancements must be developed to ensure it is sustainable both economically and environmentally. An option that meets this criteria is composting for on-farm disposal of dead stock. A straw/manure mix made up a test...
