NCERA_old219: Swine Production Management to Enhance Animal Welfare

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[08/10/2017] [09/17/2018] [06/13/2019] [09/17/2020]

Date of Annual Report: 08/10/2017

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/26/2016 - 10/28/2016
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2015 - 09/30/2016

Participants

Benny Mote (Nebraska), Lee Johnston (Minnesota), Merlin Lindemann (Kentucky), Brian Richert (Purdue), Garth Ruff (Ohio State Grad Student), Steve Moeller (Ohio State), Bob Thaler (South Dakota State; Chair), and Dale Rozeboom (Michigan State; Secretary)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes are provided in the attachment.

Minutes Attachment:

Minutes 2016 NCERA-219 Meeting Brookings SD.pdf

Accomplishments

Experimental repetitions of the two experiments which were part of the Floor space allowances for finishing pigs marketed at 138 kilograms study were completed at the University of Minnesota -West Central Research and Outreach Center, Michigan State University, Kansas State University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Missouri (completed experiment 1 only).  At the 2016 committee meeting, the raw data from this study was presented and discussed.  Experiment 1 had all 5 stations participate. It was noted that the cortisol analysis was pending. Missouri confirmed it would not be completing Experiment 2. The committee effectively worked to complete the Research Funding Agreement entered into with the Minnesota Pork Board, with distribution to participating stations through sub contractual agreements. At the 2016 meeting we discussed new research project ideas and possible new grant proposals to be developed: <ol> <li>Castration with meloxicam – Steve Moeller.</li> <li>Feeder space for heavy hogs; linear inches – Brian Richert.</li> <li>Are cup waters big enough for heavy hogs? – Brian Richert.</li> <li>Heavy (275-400 lbs.) meat quality – Brian Richert/Steve Moeller.</li> <li>Weaned pig transport – time factors, intervention strategies (water treatment of newly received pigs), energy substrate.</li> <li>Creep form – Steve Moeller.</li> <li>Creep of pigs weaned at 24 d of age – Brian Richert.</li> <li>Stall design for larger litters and larger sows; how do you use the existing space; put creep at the front; shoulder ulcers – Brian Richert.</li> <li>Creep space – Brian Richert. Lee Johnston mentioned that the Danish have done imaging work on creep area for older pigs at weaning; assessing pig size and litter size.</li> <li>Individual sow farrowing pens – Lee Johnston.</li> <li>Enrichment at farrowing – Brian Richert</li> </ol> Enrichment at farrowing was selected as an idea for further development. Compostamat was contacted and the committee learned that they have not used their mat for such a purpose to-date, but would be interested in learning more about our idea. Steve Moeller volunteered to take lead on writing a NPB grant proposal with this objective in November of 2016. Those present talked about having each station contribute a minimum of two reps, one in each season (warm and cold) and a minimum of eight total observations per treatment. As in previous year, NCERA-219 participants continue to be involved in, and give leadership to, the SowBridge and PorkBridge, educational programs for farm owners, managers, and barn workers. These programs involve multiple live online educational presentations during which participating viewers can submit questions and comments. Presentations continue to reach producers from multiple US states, Canada and other countries.

Publications

There were no publications in this reporting period that were ‘direct’ result of NCERA-219 committee work.

Impact Statements

This committee continues to provide a forum for interaction among faculty that specialize in swine production and management. This reporting was devoted to the conducting of experiments as part of the Floor space allowances for finishing pigs marketed at 138 kilograms study. Completion (summary, reporting, publication and presentation) are anticipated in the next reporting year. Through the touring of the new SDSU swine facilities and the John Morrel’s/Smithfield harvest plant committee members continued the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills that relate to our collaborative objective of research outreach focused on swine management issues related to animal welfare, production efficiency, and standards of production. In the new SDSU Swine facilities, attendees participated in discussion of the layout, mechanical features, environmental management approaches, and research capabilities provided for in the new 150-sow unit and four-room 1200-head wean-finish-barn. They learned that a significant collaboration among groups, agencies, private farms, individuals and government made possible the acquisition of $7.4 million to build the new facilities. Attendees agreed that SDSU will be able to conduct swine research for many years related to multiple-disciplines, including the studies designed and proposed by the NCERA-219 Committee. At the John Morrel’s/Smithfield harvest plant, attendees realized how our research focus on the management and well-being of heavy weight hogs did relate to the procurement portion of the pork production system.

Date of Annual Report: 09/17/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/18/2017 - 10/20/2017
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2016 - 09/30/2017

Participants

Dale Rozeboom (Michigan State University), Marcia Shannon (University of Missouri), Lee Johnston (University of Minnesota), Ryan Samuel (South Dakota State University), Benny Mote (University of Nebraska), Steve Moeller (The Ohio State University), Brian Richert (Purdue University)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

NCERA 2017 final minutes.docx

Accomplishments

Experimental repetitions of the two experiments which were part of the Floor space allowances for finishing pigs marketed at 138 kilograms study from  the University of Minnesota -West Central Research and Outreach Center, Michigan State University, Kansas State University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Missouri were analyzed and submitted for publication (publication listed below).    At the 2017 meeting, there was further identification of research topics and action items.  As examination of the compost-a-mat for farrowing enrichment from 2016 yielded potential problems with the time it would take a sow to destroy the mat as well as issues with them plugging the pits, the group explored further options.  The idea of utilizing burlap as a farrowing enrichment was presented by Dr. Risser as it should last longer than a mat and would break down in the pits.  This item to be further championed by Steve Moeller.   Additional Action/research items identified: Pain mitigation: Steve Moeller Maximum sow size: Benny Mote Open Pen Gestation: Group   As in previous years, NCERA-219 participants continue to be instrumental in, and give leadership to, the SowBridge and PorkBridge, educational programs for farm owners, managers, and barn workers. These programs involve multiple (12 and 6 respectively) live online educational presentations during which participating viewers can submit questions and comments following the presentations from subject experts. Presentations continue to reach producers from multiple US states (California, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin), Canada and other countries.

Publications

Johnston, L.J., D.W. Rozeboom, R.D. Goodband, S.J. Moeller, M.C. Shannon, and S.J. Schieck. 2017. Effect of floor space allowances on growth performance of finishing pigs marketed at 138 kilograms. J. Anim. Sci. 95:4917-4925.

Impact Statements

Engagement and production management decision making dialogue with Clemens Food Group and Spartenwood Sow Farm pertaining to cutting edge pork production with innovative technologies and vertical integrated swine production.

Date of Annual Report: 06/13/2019

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/03/2019 - 06/04/2019
Period the Report Covers: 11/01/2017 - 05/31/2019

Participants

Benny Mote, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ryan Samuel, South Dakota State University
Ken Stalder, Iowa State University
Steve Moeller, The Ohio State University
Brian Richert, Purdue University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

NCERA219 June 2019 minutes.docx

Accomplishments

Committee project ideas: <ul> <li>Tracking gilt and sow gait using the force plate <ul> <li>Benny share the cost and info about the force plate <ul> <li>Placement within ESF</li> <li>Calibrate weekly</li> <li>Weight/foot vs total weight</li> </ul> </li> <li>Goal – to detect lameness compared to normal behavior baselines <ul> <li>How early and accurately can it be detected?</li> </ul> </li> <li>Boar/semen management <ul> <li>What is that data behind why technicians rock semen 2x per day?</li> <li>Reduce discards due to heat stress <ul> <li>Cooing pads</li> <li>AC studs</li> <li>Access to cool spots</li> </ul> </li> <li>Ultrasound blood flow pampiniform plexus <ul> <li>Dilated veins = Varicoceles, common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality</li> <li>Identify poor boars more quickly</li> </ul> </li> <li>Boar stud locations in the event of FAD <ul> <li>Testing <ul> <li>Validated labs?</li> </ul> </li> <li>Biosecurity/isolation <ul> <li>PIN data available?</li> </ul> </li> <li>Biological markers and piglet birthweight data for individuals across the stations <ul> <li>Foxcroft says ~20% of selected gilts never contribute to herd genetics</li> </ul> </li> <li>American Farm Rubber heat mat <ul> <li>Piglet micro environment</li> </ul> </li> <li>Technician time in the barn in the specific locations <ul> <li>Welfare implications if the farrowing technician is in breeding</li> </ul> </li> <li>Pig barn environment labor implications <ul> <li>How are technicians trained and protected? <ul> <li>Staff training modules</li> <li>Low birthweight piglets</li> <li>Tail docking/castration protocols</li> <li>Perception of welfare</li> </ul> </li> <li>Org chart from a company? Producer survey? <ul> <li>Education level</li> <li>Work environment</li> <li>Positions</li> <li>Compensation</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Report from the Administrative Advisor, Ernie Minton, interim dean of the College of Agriculture and interim director of K-State Research and Extension <ul> <li>Future of the committee <ul> <li>1 year to renewal <ul> <li>Start in Sep</li> <li>Identify stations by Thanksgiving</li> <li>Submit for review by end of year</li> </ul> </li> <li>Transition to regular research committee <ul> <li>Access to funds?</li> <li>Most consistent interpretation is that AES funds can support a member to travel to multistate meeting of a research committee <ul> <li>Research objectives vetted</li> </ul> </li> <li>Multistate objectives <ul> <li>Need in order to get replication</li> <li>Education through Porkbridge and Sowbridge</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul>

Publications

Impact Statements

Engagement and dialogue with National Pork Board pertaining to innovative management and production technologies in swine production enhance animal welfare.

Date of Annual Report: 09/17/2020

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/05/2020 - 08/06/2020
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2019 - 08/31/2020

Participants

Dale Rozeboom, Lee Johnston, Benny Mote, Ryan Samuel, Bob Goodband, Marcia Shannon, Steve Moeller, and Ernie Minton

Brief Summary of Minutes

NCERA-219 Annual Virtual Meeting

Aug. 5-6^th, 2020

Attendees: Dale Rozeboom, Lee Johnston, Benny Mote, Ryan Samuel, Bob Goodband, Marcia Shannon, Steve Moeller, and Ernie Minton

Guests: Elise Toohill, and Melanie Trenhaile Grannemann

Agenda:

Wednesday Aug 5, 2020

9 AM Call to order – Ryan Samuel

9:05-11 AM Presentation about the NUtrack pig tracking system – Benny Mote, UNL

11-noon Discussion on future group projects and direction of NCERA-219

1-2 PM Balance new production practices with finishing hog vices – Elise Toohill, DVM Carthage Veterinary Service Ltd

2-5 PM Discussion on future group projects and direction of NCERA-219

Thursday Aug 6, 2020

9-11 AM Station Reports (Part 1)

11-noon Admin Advisor: J. Ernest Minton

1-2 PM Station Reports (Part 2)

2:30 PM Elections of officers and date of next meeting

3:00 Adjourn

The meeting was called to order at 9:08 am.

Benny Mote presented on NUTrack Livestock Monitoring technology and individual pig activity.

Research ideas were discussed focusing in management and current euthanasia protocols related to COVID-19. Research ideas covered the following topics:

slow down diets during processing plant shutdowns such as phases of growth/compensatory gain, welfare questions from strategy, increased room temperature, salt use, corn only diets and shutting down feeders every other day.

euthanize animals if foreign animal disease (FAD) situation.

continue to evaluate stocking density/space allowance looking at double stock wean-to-finish, feeder space/design or waterer space/design on efficiency and pig/pen variation.

industry moving to more mixed sex feeding rather than split sex feeding and feeder and water space designs impact on efficiency and pig variation.

pig variation at close out - is there producer incentive to reduce variation?

improving weaning strategies such as effects by wean age, feeder design, solid sided pens, smaller or less space provided, temperature, automated light control and supplemental water bars.

nursery density related to overstocking and impact into finisher on vices – held pigs to 65 lbs in nursery.

Meeting was adjourned for lunch at 11:51 am.

Meeting was called back to order at 1:05 pm.

Elise Toohill from Carthage Veterinary Service presented on COVID-19 Plant Shutdown Debrief.

Lee Johnston agreed to work on a protocol focusing on impact of shutting down feeders every other day on growth rates and observed vices. Research project would utilize mix sexed finishing pigs and end when control group reaches an average weight of 280 lbs.

Meeting was adjourned for the day at 4:41 pm.

On Day 2 Meeting called to order at 9:05 am.

Committee discussed the renewal year and what accomplishments have been met over the past 5 years. Had publication by Lee on space in 2017. Also, discussed staying as an extension committee based on previous email information and where we will focus in the next 5 years.

Johnston, L.J., D.W. Rozeboom, R.D. Goodband, S.J. Moeller, M.C. Shannon, and S.J. Schieck. 2017. Effect of floor space allowances on growth performance of finishing pigs marketed at 138 kilograms. J. Anim. Sci. 95:4917-4925.

Station reports were provided by Dale Rozeboom (Michigan State University), Benny Mote (University of Nebraska), Bob Goodband (Kansas State), Marcia Shannon (University of Missouri) Ryan Samuel (South Dakota State University) and Lee Johnston (University of Minnesota).

Ernie Minton provided an administrative update. He reminded the group that the project is up for renewal and due to him by December 1^st for renewal on Sept. 30^th, 2021. The renewal document should include objectives, gaps, and plans for next 5 years. The committee has looked and discussed about becoming a research committee, but the group has decided to continue as an extension committee. Committee continues to add new members to keep membership effective to objectives. Ernie did mention that if we knew of any faculty with background in swine who has moved into administration that would be a better fit with this committee better, he would have them replace him as it is hard for him to keep up or engaged.

Meeting was adjourned for lunch at 11:55 am.

Meeting called back to order at 1:06 pm.

Election of officers and next year’s meeting was discussed.

Marcia Shannon will become chair, and new secretary will be Dale Rozeboom.

Suggestions were made to invite Jay Harmon or Ron Bates as our administrator and other members to recruit to committee such as Chris Byrd at North Dakota State, Mark Knauer and John Holt at North Carolina State.

Plan to have another ZOOM in next couple months to finalize protocols and renewal documents.

Meeting was adjourned at 2:03 pm.