In a project funded both by Ontario Pork and Swine Innovation Porc, University of Guelph researchers demonstrated that a less expensive nursery diet (low complexity), had no adverse effect on growth rate and health of pigs at all production phases nor on carcass characteristic.

Feed cost is by far the greatest cost of pig production (65-70%) and growing-finishing pigs account for about 80% of feed consumed. The continued high cost of feed demonstrates the need to develop cost-effective feeding strategies for growing-finishing pigs to ensure the long-term...

The influenza virus continues to have a major impact on Canadian swine production. Significant genetic diversity and the emergence of new variants have complicated the control of this virus. In this project, jointely funded by Ontario Pork and Swine Innovation Porc, researchers analyzed the...

The actual cause of in-transit losses of swine is complex as they are likely the result of a combination of risk factors and situations the pigs may have been exposed to.  The commonly cited risks of high temperature and stocking density are part of the problem but do not fully explain all...

As of July 1, 2016 the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs states that piglets must be provided with appropriate pain control during castration and tail docking. The timing of these procedures often coincides with iron supplementation for piglets, leading many producers...

With the combination of lean genetics and hyperprolific sows, producers may be faced with the challenge of first parity sows becoming too thin during lactation, which can reduce their future reproductive performance and longevity in the herd.  To alleviate this problem, producers...

Facial behaviours such as ear position, are increasingly being used to assess pain in animals. The development of a facial behaviour scale could lead to an easy and quick way to help producers to determine subtle cases when an animal is in pain and needs treatment.

Reduction of the pig production through novel feeding strategies is currently an active research topic.  A study by Kees de Lange that was conducted under controlled conditions at the University of Guelph’s Arkell Research Station, indicated that lower-cost, reduced animal-protein...

Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is commonly used as gas in on-farm euthanasia systems. This method is intended to provide a low stress event for both the pigs and the stockpeople managing the process. The system is an alternative for those who do not feel comfortable with the use of a zephyr/captive...

Identifying possible opportunities to make health claims and the steps needed to position pork as a healthful and nutritious protein option may be one way to promote and increase domestic pork consumption. In particular a proven health claim to pork could be used to contest recent research...

Farming is recognized as a stressful occupation both in the routine daily tasks and during an emergency. For livestock producers, disease outbreaks can have significant economic and emotional consequences stemming from the loss of production and the loss of animals through mortalities and the...

The overall conclusion of this work is that there is wide variation in nursery performance which suggests that there is opportunity for herds to improve. Likewise disease status varies considerably and there needs to be efforts made to improve the immune status of newly weaned pigs and to...

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria that is the leading cause of skin infections and pneumonia in people. The increase in drug-resistant bacteria such as Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have increased the burden on healthcare systems due to an inability to find an...

Providing piglets with supplemental iron is a widely adopted practice on modern swine farms. Recently, University of Guelph researchers questioned whether current iron supplementation practices are sufficient for the requirements of the modern pig. They studied piglets on 20 Ontario farms, all...

The Canadian Code of Practice for the Handling and Care of Pigs states that pigs are to receive analgesics (pain control medication) to control post-procedural pain. The pain control medications ketoprofen (Anafen®) and meloxicam (Metacam®), are approved for use in pigs in Canada. The...

Optimal sow fertility is during the 24-hour period before ovulation. Use of the ovulation synchronization protocols may be a good tool for producers looking for options to improve overall herd reproductive performance or reduce their time in the breeding barn

Feed costs are the single largest contributor to the cost of pork production.  After energy, amino acids and protein are the largest contributors to nutrient costs of pig diets. Researchers at the University of Guelph investigated the digestibility and efficiency of feeding growing pigs...

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) causes disease and economic losses on swine farms. Producers strive to eradicate the virus if geographically feasible or “stabilize” the sow herd through vaccination or intentional field virus exposure. A cornerstone of any PRRS...