Ontario Pork - Completed Research


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Thursday, December 7, 2023
    

Completed Research

Ontario Pork has a call for research proposals once a year. These projects were approved for funding by the board on recommendation of the research committee. If you have questions or need further information about the research posted here please contact Jessica Fox at jessica.fox@swinehealthontario.ca


Completed Research

Vitamin D3 supplementation in suckling and weaned piglets

Project 12-009 - Researchers: Bob Friendship, University of Guelph, Tim Blackwell, OMAFRA, Terri O’Sullivan, OMAFRA

Piglets given oral vitamin D3 between ages 1-5 days had much higher levels of vitamin D in their blood than non-supplemented piglets when measured 23 days later.  Similarly, pigs given oral vitamin D3 at weaning had higher blood levels of vitamin D 28 days after supplementation. ...

Relationship between feed, genetics, health, and growth performance up to market weight in pigs

Project 15-015 - Researchers: Brandon Lillie and Vahab Farzan, University of Guelph

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...

Nutritional strategies for improved market hog competitiveness - SIP Initiative

Project 14-009 - Researchers: James Squires, Ira Mandall, Julang Li

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...

Nitrogen Requirements and Utilization in Growing Pigs: Research into reduced feed costs and environmental impact of nitrogen

Project 11-005 - Lead Researcher: Kees de Lange, University of Guelph

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...

Minimum duration of teat use required in first lactation to ensure optimal milk yield in second lactation

Project 13-001 - Researchers: Dr. Chantal Farmer (AAFC) and Dr. Bob Friendship, University of Guelph

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...

Impact of a specialized feeding regime for replacement gilts on lactation performance

Project 18-007- Lead Resesarcher: Robert Friendship, University of Guelph

Sow milk production is becoming increasingly important with the use of hyperprolific sows and resulting large litters. The use of a high fibre feeding program fed ad libitum can be utilized to control the growth of developing gilts without impairing subsequent lactation performance.

Identifying the Cause of Death and Factors Associated with Hogs that Perish in Transit

Project 12-019 and 13-006 - Researcher: Kathy Zurbrigg

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...

Evaluation of Compounding Iron-dextran with NSAIDs for Use in Piglets at Time of Castration

Project 13-003 - Researcher: Ron Johnson

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...

Evaluation of analgesia efficacy in piglets undergoing castration and processing through the scoring of pain related behaviours

Project 14-006 - Researcher: Dr. Pat Turner

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.

Establishing sensitivity and specificity of using rope samples (saliva) to test for PRRS virus antibodies

Project 17-016 - Lead Researcher: Dr. Tim Blackwell

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...
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