Effects of replenishment rate of enrichments in pigs with undocked tails
This study compared pre-weaning exposure to environmental enrichment or not, and three slat-compatible enrichment replenishment strategies for pigs post-weaning. Forty-eight mixed-sex pens (six males and six females/pen) of undocked pigs were followed from birth to slaughter. Pre-weaning, half the pigs...
Optimizing temperature requirements of pigs to reduce energy use in swine production
The overarching goal of this research project is to investigate the optimum environmental temperature requirements of sows and grower-finisher pigs to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gases while maintaining their long-term overall productivity and performance. The project consists of four...
Investment cost and payback period of a modified prototype livestock trailer
The overall goal of the work conducted was to assess the performance of an improved prototype livestock trailer with ventilation, heating, misting and air filtration systems in maintaining a welfare-friendly and pathogen-free environment during transport. Road and disease-challenge tests showed...
Long term effect of early vs. late enrichment with scented newspaper in growing pigs
Environmental enrichment can reduce damaging behaviours like tail biting, but practical information on enrichments for growing pigs is lacking. A previous study showed that scented newsprint was a promising enrichment type. The current study examined the long-term effect of early...
Quality of Life Handbook – The use of environmental enrichment
The aim of this handbook is to provide suggestions on how to improve the quality of life of pigs in commercial farms in such a way that it won’t require large renovations to the barns. This includes things such as...
Quality of Life Handbook – The use of environmental enrichment
The aim of this handbook is to provide suggestions on how to improve the quality of life of pigs in commercial farms in such a way that it won’t require large renovations to the barns. This includes things such as...
Seek and you shall find; The value of postmortem, in pigs?
Why should we do post-mortem examinations in pigs? That’s the question Jeff Bergermann, Veterinary Services Manager at Zoetis Canada, posed at the start of his presentation to participants of the 2024 PSC Producer Meetings. It’s a good idea to do...
P1 development strategies for peak performance
Kendall Weger, Technical Services Specialist at PIC, presented a lot of great data and tips around P1 development in her presentation at the PSC Producer Meetings. A sustainable P1 development program should consist of three important areas, including selection intensity,...
Moving forward with improved sow housing: Current progress and prospects
Jen-Yun Chou, the new ethology and welfare research scientist at Prairie Swine Centre, introduced herself to the crowd at the 2024 PSC Producer Meetings. She gave an overview of her previous research focus and travels through the pig world, including...
Insights into mycotoxins in swine diets
Mycotoxins are regularly found in ingredients used in swine diets and the issue seems to be getting worse. That’s why Dan Columbus, nutrition researcher at Prairie Swine Centre, presented some insights into mycotoxins in swine diets at the 2024 PSC...
Advancing swine welfare practices to empower your industry: What the Chair in Swine Welfare is doing for you
Martyna Lagoda, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Saskatchewan working for the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare under the supervision of Yolande Seddon, gave an update at the 2024 PSC Producer Meetings on the research results and...
Advances in nutrition for improved pig health
Dan Columbus, nutrition researcher at Prairie Swine Centre, presented his work regarding advances in nutrition for pig health at the 2024 PSC Producer Meetings. Nutrient requirements for development and immune response will be different from those for growth performance. In...
