Feature

Researchers are finding that farmers and stock people previously reluctant to euthanize animals are more willing to do it using the Zephyr gun they have developed

by MIKE MULHERN

An air-powered stun gun called the Zephyr could become the instrument of choice for pig farmers and stock workers to euthanize young pigs up to nine kilograms.

Our producers will need to assess their production practices and market levels as continued pressure is placed on welfare issues by our export partners

by JIM DALRYMPLE

Many countries, including some of Canada’s trading partners, are considering major changes related to swine housing, management and production in general. These changes will affect the production systems used on Canadian farms, particularly if Canada wishes to continue exports of breeding stock, weaner pigs, live market hogs and pork products.

Inventories in Quebec have declined less than in the rest of the country and slaughter capacity is available to take Ontario hogs. But, as of 2011, they will no longer be insurable under ASRA

by SUZANNE DEUTSCH

The drop in inventory in Quebec hogs means there is plenty of room there for Ontario hogs, according to Bernard Verret, general manager of the Quebec Federation of Pork Producers (QFPP).

In times of extreme adversity, an industry that has done much to improve the health and quality of its products deserves the full support of governments and consumers

by JIM DALRYMPLE

From production to processing, the Ontario pork industry has seen dramatic changes over the past few decades.

As with most other major farm commodities, the number of pork producers has fallen substantially, both in Ontario and across Canada.

In 1951, 364,068 farms in Canada reported pigs with an average of 13.5 pigs per farm.

That’s the message of speakers at the London Swine Conference to producers coping with today’s ‘hyperprolific’ sow

by KATE PROCTER

The challenges of managing large litter sizes have become more common as sows have become more prolific. The race to increase litter size and pigs weaned per sow per year has left some wondering if piglet viability has been sacrificed. In addition, the sow of 2010 is not the same animal as she was 20 years ago; she requires specialized management techniques.

With DNA markers, researchers can greatly improve the accuracy of selecting for specific traits, such as meat quality, disease resistance and robustness of the animal

by SERGE POMMIER

When people ask me about the importance of genetic markers, they often bring up the halothane gene. Would greater focus on developing genetic markers help us discover more of these revolutionary genes? Would these markers transform genetic development and help us develop a super pig, one with improved meat quality, robustness, feed conversion and disease resistance?

By using a new gilt acclimatization protocol and paying strict attention to biosecurity, the Vanden Boogaards have sharply reduced their nursery mortality and learned some lessons for the future

by KATE PROCTER