SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report
Sections
Status: Approved
Basic Information
- Project No. and Title: NCERA89 : Swine Production Management to Enhance Animal Welfare
- Period Covered: 10/01/2006 to 09/01/2007
- Date of Report: 01/11/2008
- Annual Meeting Dates: 10/17/2007 to 10/18/2007
Participants
Apgar, Gary-Illinois; Shannon, Marcia-Missouri; Richert, Brian-Indiana; Rozeboom, Dale-Michigan State; Jones, Don-Indiana; Stromberg,Bert-Minnesota (AA); Lindemann, Merlin-Kentucky; Goodband, Robert-Kansas; Moeller, Steve-Ohio
The annual meeting of the NCERA-89 was held at The Ohio State University, 212 Animal Science Building, 2029 Fyffe Court, Columbus OH on October 17-18, 2007. Steve Moeller, Ohio State, coordinated the meeting.
Dr. Shannon called the meeting to order at 1:05 pm. The agenda was reviewed. Approve agenda approval of minutes from 2006 NCERA-89 meeting CSREES Report NCERA-89 Administrative Advisor Report Distribution and Discussion of Station Reports Election of 2008 NCERA-89 Committee Chairman and Secretary Plans for the 2007 MCERA-89 meeting site and date Discussion of On-going Research Brain storming on Future Projects Adjourn
[Minutes]
Accomplishments
The committee focuses on applied swine management issues related to animal welfare and performance that provides an unbiased evaluation of production practices. The committee reviewed the findings of a cooperative study of stepping down or up the feed intake in gestating sows on reproductive measures. Stepping the intake up or down during gestation prior to farrowing had no appreciable effect on reproductive measures.
The committee reviewed a proposed study to define the performance impact of altering dietary components on a least-cost basis and a timed basis as compared with a typical corn soybean meal based dietary regime. This study will provide timely information to pork producers grappling with record high commodity feed prices, and who may be considering the addition of least-cost components into current rations.
The committee discussed transported pig issues involving feed and water deprivation during the transport time. Pigs of all sizes are transported extensively throughout the country without access to feed and water. Data from earlier studies show that 50 70 kg pigs deprived of water had no lasting impact on pig performance; however, follow up studies need to be conducted to address transportation stress and water deprivation for weanling and slaughter pigs.
Next year the committee will convene November 5-7 at the University of Kentucky. The meeting will be hosted by Dr. Merlin Lindemann.
Impacts
- Stepping the intake up or down during gestation prior to farrowing had no appreciable effect on reproductive measures.
- Defining performance implications of altering dietary components on a least-cost basis on performance in growing-finishing pigs. This research will provide timely information to pork producers grappling with record high commodity feed prices, and may consider adding least-cost feeds in current rations.
- Watering sows prior to feeding during lactation does not impact overall feed intake of sows.
- Transported pigs are water and feed deprived. Research in 50 to 70 kg pigs show water deprivation to have no lasting effects on performance, however follow up studies should address transportation stress and water deprivation for weanling and slaughter pigs.