SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report

Sections

Basic Information
Additional Info

Status: Approved

Basic Information

Project No. and Title: NCERA_old219 : Swine Production Management to Enhance Animal Welfare
Period Covered: 11/01/2017 to 05/31/2019
Date of Report: 06/13/2019
Annual Meeting Dates: 06/03/2019 to 06/04/2019

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 of Annual Meeting

Attached file:

NCERA219-June-2019-minutes.docx

Accomplishments

Committee project ideas:

Tracking gilt and sow gait using the force plate
- Benny share the cost and info about the force plate
  - Placement within ESF
  - Calibrate weekly
  - Weight/foot vs total weight
- Goal – to detect lameness compared to normal behavior baselines
  - How early and accurately can it be detected?
- Boar/semen management
  - What is that data behind why technicians rock semen 2x per day?
  - Reduce discards due to heat stress
    - Cooing pads
    - AC studs
    - Access to cool spots
  - Ultrasound blood flow pampiniform plexus
    - Dilated veins = Varicoceles, common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality
    - Identify poor boars more quickly
  - Boar stud locations in the event of FAD
    - Testing
      - Validated labs?
    - Biosecurity/isolation
      - PIN data available?
    - Biological markers and piglet birthweight data for individuals across the stations
      - Foxcroft says ~20% of selected gilts never contribute to herd genetics
    - American Farm Rubber heat mat
      - Piglet micro environment
    - Technician time in the barn in the specific locations
      - Welfare implications if the farrowing technician is in breeding
    - Pig barn environment labor implications
      - How are technicians trained and protected?
        
        Staff training modules
        
        Low birthweight piglets
        
        Tail docking/castration protocols
        
        Perception of welfare
      - Org chart from a company? Producer survey?
        
        Education level
        
        Work environment
        
        Positions
        
        Compensation

Report from the Administrative Advisor, Ernie Minton, interim dean of the College of Agriculture and interim director of K-State Research and Extension

Future of the committee
- 1 year to renewal
  - Start in Sep
  - Identify stations by Thanksgiving
  - Submit for review by end of year
- Transition to regular research committee
  - Access to funds?
  - Most consistent interpretation is that AES funds can support a member to travel to multistate meeting of a research committee
    - Research objectives vetted
  - Multistate objectives
    - Need in order to get replication
    - Education through Porkbridge and Sowbridge

Impacts

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

Publications

Back