Nutrition

A multi-university experiment concludes that soybean hulls contributed to a reduced bodyweight at farrowing when compared with sows, while psyllium increased bodyweight through the reproductive cycle

by JANICE MURPHY

The profitability of the swine production chain hinges on reproductive efficiency in the sow operation. Discussion is continuing in the research community as to the role that fibre plays in gestation diets, since studies have shown that fibre can increase reproductive efficiency of sows in some instances, but not in others.

Yes, suggests research at the University of Arkansas. But whether or not the additive will ‘clean up’ after itself in a commercial setting remains to be seen

by JANICE MURPHY

Intensive swine production practices create many manure management challenges – storage and handling of manure, odour control, accumulation of solids on pen surfaces and in manure pits.    

Experiments in Indiana suggest that young lactating sows fed spray-dried plasma in summer had increased feed intake and reduced weaning-to-estrus interval, whereas mature sows had lower feed intake and heavier litter weights without compromising days to estrus

When Kansas State University researchers tested this theory, they found little difference from normal feeding routines, though previous research suggests it has benefits in the dog days of summer
by JANICE MURPHY

In the modern swine industry, change continues to be the norm. While sows are individually housed in gestation stalls in many commercial swine facilities, animal welfare concerns have recently led to a shift toward group housing.

This trend has been fuelled by ballots cast in Arizona and Florida, where gestation stalls have been banned, as well as decisions by Smithfield Foods and Maple Leaf Foods to make the move to group housing.

The perception is that group housing allows for increased freedom of movement and social interaction and, as a result, is more welfare-friendly than housing sows in stalls. Group housing is also thought to decrease chronic stress in sows and speed up the farrowing process, most likely due to the increased level of activity compared to sows confined to stalls.

Unfortunately, not all sows will thrive in a group housing situation. Just like children in a schoolyard, there is always the chance of running into a bully. The opportunity for social interaction can lead to aggressive behaviour between sows, allowing dominant sows at the top of the pecking order to consume more feed at the expense of sows at the bottom. The result is most likely fear and distress on the part of the less dominant sow.