SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report
Sections
Status: Approved
Basic Information
- Project No. and Title: NCERA_old219 : Swine Production Management to Enhance Animal Welfare
- Period Covered: 10/01/2016 to 09/30/2017
- Date of Report: 09/17/2018
- Annual Meeting Dates: 10/18/2017 to 10/20/2017
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)
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.
Impacts
- Publication of the committee’s group project on the effect of floor space allowances for finishing pigs marketed at 138kg was finalized.
- 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.
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.