Prairie Swine Centre Annual Research Report Released

July 31, 2013 — 

Meeting the needs of the commercial pork value chain with new information that -- reduces the cost of production, improves product quality, speaks to worker health and safety, environmental impact, and addresses practical behaviour and welfare questions – the 2012-2013 edition of the Annual Research Report provides insights into solutions on a wide range of industry challenges and opportunities. At 52 pages, this edition includes 14 scientific articles, plus updates on activity in our pig production unit and technology transfer activities for the calendar year 2012. http://www.prairieswine.com/2012-2013-psc-annual-report-now-on-line/

Some of the highlights from this year’s edition include:

• Body weight at nursery exit was greater in piglets offered creep feed for one week prior to farrowing, however less than 40% of piglets consumed creep. By implementing strategies to increase creep feed consumption could net pork producer $1.00/market hog.
• Pigs fed a DON contaminated diet plus spray-dried blood plasma performed as well as pigs consuming a non-contaminated diet,
• Preliminary data suggest that preventative hoof trimming, using a Zinpro FeetFirst chute, reducing the occurrence and severity of lameness in gestation
• A commercial scale bio-trickling air treatment unit was effective in reducing the levels of ammonia, dust, and odour from growing and finishing rooms by 77%, 92%, and 75% respectively.

Prairie Swine Centre Inc., located near Saskatoon, is a non-profit research corporation affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan, and is recognized globally for its contributions to practical, applied science in pork production in the disciplines of nutrition, engineering and applied animal behaviour.