Electronic sow feeder (ESF) systems are a practical method for managing sows in group housing, as they provide an automated system for controlling individual feed intake. However, increased aggression can result, especially in the initial period following mixing, as sows…
Protecting low ranking sows in group-housing systems
Background: In group-housing systems, low-ranking sows are usually defeated and injured by high ranking sows. This results in low-ranking sows becoming fearful of further conflicts when attempting to obtain feed which leads to inadequate feed intake and poor body condition.…
Establishing Bedding and Boarding Requirements for Finisher Pigs Through Scientific Validation – Micro-study
Transport is a critical factor affecting swine welfare in modern U.S. commercial pork production. Broad temperature ranges encountered during transport can challenge pig welfare and have been shown to increase the number of dead and down pigs following transport. To…
Systematic literature review and needs assessment of housing systems for gestating sows in group pens with group feeding
Gestation sow housing is a current contemporary animal welfare issue. The current political atmosphere is driving producers to consider changing back to group housing systems for gestating sows. It is important for producers converting to group housing systems that they…
A study to develop and validate assays to measure and compare four circulating neuropeptides as objective pain biomarkers in piglets
Translactational analgesia to reduce pain during piglet castration
Commercially reared piglets receive a number of routine management procedures including castration, tail docking, teeth clipping, and vaccination. Castration of pigs is done primarily to avoid boar taint, an objectionable flavor found in the meat of mature males. However, due…
Evaluation of a novel means to euthanize piglets
Electromagnetic (EM) energy transmitting devises that operate in the microwave frequency have been approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association for the specific use in euthanasia of laboratory mice and rats and have been also applied to chickens. Units utilized…
Effect of Day Mixing Gestating Sows on Measures of Reproduction and Animal Well-Being
Legislation and company directives to end the use of the gestation stall for reasons involving sow welfare are in effect. There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of sows maintained in stalls or when mixed into groups on reproductive performance…
Establishing bedding requirements for finisher pigs during transportation and skin surface temperature during different seasons after transportation
Producers and packers would like to reduce dead and down market pigs during transportation for economic and welfare reasons. Transport losses may be due to pig genetics, management before, during and after transportation, handling and environmental factors to identify a…
Evaluation of rate of administration of various gas mixtures using the Smart Box euthanasia device as a humane and effective method of piglet euthanasia
The objectives of this project were to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of gas euthanasia applied to suckling and nursery piglets at different flow rates, and with the use of different gas mixtures. Pigs were euthanized with the Smartbox™ system,…