University of Arkansas researchers have found that a slow-growth sow diet results in more piglets and healthier and longer-lived females. Slower weight gain for female pigs before breeding led to improvements in performance throughout four breeding cycles, according to Charles Maxwell, professor of animal science. It’s common practice to feed female breeding pigs the same […] Read more
Tag Archives pigs — page 2
Slow-growth diet before breeding offers better long-range health in pigs
Science Notes: Researchers looking for more ways to improve sow longevity
Newly-infected pigs most likely to yield lab test answers
Post-mortem specialists offer tips on how to sample pigs on-farm to aid diagnostics
Pigs that are only beginning to be affected by pathogenic infections typically yield the most insightful biological samples for laboratory analysis, meaning hog producers may need to euthanize otherwise healthy pigs if they want to get ahead of potential herd-threatening health issues. That was the first message delivered by presenters from the University of Guelph’s […] Read more
Strategies for producing antibiotic-free pork
Management, genetics and feed reduce the risk of antibiotic treatment in pigs
Companies avoiding the use of antibiotics use management strategies to eliminate the use of the medications rather than rely on alternative feed ingredients. On-farm protocols used by two “no antibiotics ever” pork brands in the United States include genetics, extended pre-weaning days and unconventional feed schedules. Why it matters: There’s increasing pressure on livestock operations […] Read more
New, aggressive disease strains challenge hog farmers
New outbreaks of PED in early 2024 and a new influenza strain in 2023 show need for biosecurity attention
Just when Ontario swine farmers and veterinarians think they are gaining the upper hand on disease, nature throws another curveball. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is making more pigs sick quicker and no longer arrives only in certain seasons. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) is running through Ontario barns , and a new swine flu […] Read more
Deciding which type of sow housing works for your farm
A U.S. hog farm with 20 years of loose sow experience has tried four major systems with varying success
There are many options when choosing a loose sow housing system and the decision mostly depends on hog farmers’ confidence in husbandry and technology. Canadian hog farmers are gradually moving toward loose housing for gestating sows, but debate continues over which system is best. Why it matters: Making decisions on which sow housing system to […] Read more
China blocks pig, boar imports from Bangladesh due to African swine fever
Chinese farmers have ramped up slaughter under cost, price pressure, ASF outbreak
China has prohibited the import of pig, pig products and wild boars from Bangladesh after the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reported an outbreak of African swine fever at a farm in the country's major port city of Chittagong.
PigTrace tag prices go up Dec. 15
Program costs 'unsustainable' without price increase
One of the prices producers pay for hog traceability will be going up 10 per cent. The Manitoba Pork Council said in a notice to producers Wednesday that the Canadian Pork Council will apply a 10 per cent increase to the prices of PigTrace ear tags and accessories, effective Dec. 15. Table: PigTrace ear tag […] Read more
Tech simplifies hog feed monitoring to reduce down time
FeedFlo system monitors feed pipes to ensure feed is flowing
Glacier FarmMedia – Successful technology often arises from figuring out how to simplify something that’s exceedingly complex. That’s what Casey Forsyth and his team at FeedFlo think they’ve managed to do with their feed pipe monitoring system. Their model is working in scores of barns in the U.S. hog belt, where it accurately measures whether […] Read more
New pork research barn called a ‘game changer’
Biosecurity, efficiency and sector regulations motivated design
A new $20-million facility is expected to make Ontario a leader in cutting-edge swine research. “Our industry is poised to undergo significant transformations driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer preferences, sustainability goals, as well as global economic forces,” said John de Bruyn, Ontario Pork chair, at the centre’s grand opening. “The industry’s ability to […] Read more
Anti-ASF funds designated for Manitoba Pork
Three initiatives will be funded through the federal African swine fever preparedness program
The Manitoba Pork Council’s efforts against African swine fever now have almost $1 million in extra financial padding. On Aug. 3, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced $944,340 in funding for Manitoba’s hog farm group. Funds were provided through AAFC’s African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program and were slotted for three initiatives: Squeal on Pigs, increased […] Read more
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