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< Back Nutrition, Animal Health Food Fight: Using Nursery Diets to Battle a Leading Pig Disease Can low complexity diets lead to healthier pigs and profits? As if low hog prices and rising feed costs weren’t enough for pork producers, how about a serious bloodstream infection that strikes almost every farm in Canada? Disease caused by Streptococcus suis is one of the most important health problems in nursery pigs. It is both widespread and highly damaging, resulting in meningitis, arthritis, endocarditis - a life-threatening inflammation of the heart’s inner lining - and sudden death. Add in that it’s likely the number one reason for antibiotic use in these animals, and the threat becomes very real, very quickly. The High Cost of High Stress Just as stress is a threat to humans, it can be devastating for weaned pigs. In addition to separation from the sow, a change in setting and the presence of greater pig density, the diet shifts from liquid milk to solids. These stressors create the perfect environment for bacteria like Streptococcus suis to thrive. Most pigs carry different types of this bacteria in their tonsils and nasal cavity, and while some pigs suffer serious illness or death from specific types of the pathogen, others avoid sickness altogether. Researchers have looked at possible causes of those differing reactions, citing immune system variations and protection conferred on pigs by the sow. One of the promising areas to target in fighting this disease, however, may be right in front of the pig’s snout: diet. Feeding the Need for Solutions Given that feed is the greatest expense for producers, comprising two-thirds of their cost of production, a lower priced diet that can also fend off a deadly pathogen would be a win-win. As a means of combatting post-weaning stress, most farms use a diet that is rich in both quality and quantity of key ingredients. Like dinner at a 5-star restaurant, high-quality meals come with a higher price tag. With that in mind, scientists examined lower complexity diets, using plant-based protein sources like soybean in place of animal sources such as plasma or fishmeal. In this project, pigs were divided into two groups. While one group received a high cost, high complexity diet similar to the standard regime on farm today, the other was fed a low cost, low complexity diet. After infecting both groups with Streptococcus suis, the study brought a surprising result: Pigs fed the lower complexity diet were more resistant to the disease. Passing the Acid Test At first, researchers had trouble replicating those results at the farm level. This could be due to several factors, such as pigs mixing and animals getting varying amounts of feed. Fortunately for producers, the problem was solved with an increase in the functional amino acid component of the diet. Again, pigs were broken into groups. When compared to very complex diets or ones low in amino acids, the group that received a low complexity, low-cost diet, along with a higher number of amino acids, showed greater resistance to disease caused by Streptococcus suis. Of significance to end users, this result held true both in the lab and in the barn. A Strong Benefits Package In a business where cash is king, any cost-saving opportunity is a welcome one, and this project offers a number of them. By using the low-complexity diet, producers stand to save $2-3 per pig in feed expense. Equally important, animals will gain the same amount of weight on both the “high” and “low” diets by the end of the nursery period, so there are no hidden costs to saving on feed. Additionally, healthy pigs mean fewer dollars spent on disease treatment and prevention, and less need for antibiotics. At a time when antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern for human health, addressing that concern builds more trust with consumers in Canadian pork products. Teaming Up and Moving On Like many research projects that find success, this one was the product of collaboration. Performed at the University of Guelph (U of G), it was led by Dr. Vahab Farzan (U of G), Dr. Dan Columbus (Prairie Swine Centre) and Dr. Martin Nyachoti (University of Manitoba). From here, scientists hope to follow up on another finding from this project. During their on-farm study, they noted that pigs fed the low complexity diet had a greater incidence of diarrhea than those on the “high” regime. This might be a result of more fiber in the less complex diet, but it has prompted an interest in investigating how a low complexity diet may alter the bacterial content of the gut for pigs. Background Project Title: Development of innovative strategies to reduce feed costs in the post-weaning period while maintaining optimal performance and health. Lead(s)/Co-Lead(s): Dr. Vahab Farzan (university of Guelph) Budget: $348 120 Research Methods To determine how and when to infect the pigs with Streptococcus, they were divided into four groups. One group was infected orally, one nasally, one both ways, and one was not infected at all, to act as the control group. The group infected both ways was most likely to die from the infection. For the amino acid test, pigs were infected orally and nasally and divided into two groups. One group received the standard level of amino acids in their diet, while the other was fed a higher level of amino acids. The pigs that were given more amino acids, along with a low complexity diet, were more resistant to disease caused by Streptococcus suis.

< Back Animal Health, Animal Welfare Group Sow Management: Can’t We All Just Get Along? Reducing Stress for Pigs and Producers If herding cats is the ultimate challenge, managing sows is a close second. This is especially true with the advent of group housing and its unique dynamics. In such systems, proper management is key to minimizing stress for sows, thereby boosting sow reproductive performance and piglet development. Given the stakes for producers, scientists are working hard to find the best approach. In exploring the pros and cons of different group management systems, Canadian researchers focused on dynamic versus static grouping and compared early and late mixing of sows. With the dynamic mixing approach, multiple breeding groups are housed together in each pen. As small groups of sows are moved out to be farrowed, new groups of recently mated sows join the pen. In static groups, each pen houses only one breeding group of sows. The animals are only mixed at the start of gestation, and no sows can be brought in for replacement if a sow is removed. The choice to implement dynamic or static housing can have big impacts for barn design. Mix and mingle Dynamic mixing is a popular choice for producers, allowing use of new technology and providing individual feeding for sows. But researchers are concerned that there is potential for more conflict, aggression and stress as groups of sows move in and out of the pen. When it comes to sows, there is “mixing aggression” and “ongoing aggression”. Researchers were concerned that ongoing aggression in dynamic groups would be a problem. What they found was that mixing aggression, which happens only once at the beginning of gestation, was reduced in dynamic groups because there were fewer new group members. At the same time, they found that ongoing aggression resulted in more lesions in dynamic groups throughout gestation, but it was not enough to impact their production. This suggests that mixing aggression is more important than ongoing aggression in terms of the impact on reproduction. Late mixing (after 28 days of gestation) is also largely favoured over early mixing, but this may not be sustainable given the concern shown by consumers. As pressure grows from the public to abolish month-long stays in gestation stalls, researchers are examining early mixing more closely as a viable option. Interestingly, this study found less aggression in dynamic systems over static ones (both mixed early). In the former, aggression levels were low when each small group was added, compared to one large mixing event for the static housed sows, which occurred in early pregnancy. The production results were also surprising: Dynamic sows had the highest farrowing rate over static sows, and even over a control group of late mixed sows. There is not a clear winner between static and dynamic; both systems are popular and will continue to be so. They require very different approaches, so industry must be more aware of those differences to fine tune management strategies. Social status is important, because if a system is not running well, it is always the subordinate sows who get the short end of the stick, and it is usually the younger/smaller animals that are subordinate. With genetics, the swine industry needs to shift the genetic focus away from producing more piglets and onto finding less aggressive sows that are well built and robust to function well in group housing. Climbing the Social Ladder Another important factor influencing a sow’s reproductive performance was social status within the pen. Researchers determined each sow’s rank within the group as dominant, intermediate or subordinate based on a feed competition test. A sow’s rank played a large role in setting their stress level, which in turn affected piglet behavior and physiology. The exact connection is not yet clear, but scientists hope to learn more as they review the data. As part of the project, researchers also examined sow mortality in the wake of growing death losses on farm. Using a survey and follow up visits that covered 104 herds, they found higher mortality in large herds (3,000 or more) versus small, and in group gestation versus stalls. Scientists were especially concerned that the majority of death losses in group gestation involved younger sows. Apart from the animal welfare implications, early culling is an economic blow for the business. Most producers can attest that sows who manage fewer than three parities don’t even cover their replacement cost. Finding genes that fit These mortality findings are critical for industry going forward. The increase in lameness should spawn a greater focus on all aspects of gilt development, and genetics companies could prioritize conformation (functional legs and feet) and a calmer temperament that is less prone to aggression. Greater robustness traits would be beneficial as well, making sows more durable in group systems as they navigate concrete floors and interact with their pen mates. Addressing the mortality issue will take a combined effort from researchers and producers. It is vital that worker training and compliance on farm be more consistent, and that staff use the same definitions between farms and within the same operation. What constitutes “culled”, “euthanized” and “died on farm”? For their part, the project team plans to have recommendations for workers soon on what to record. Aiding in this study was Dr. Yolande Seddon, assistant professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. At the same time, Dr. Nicolas Devillers, research scientist in pig behaviour and welfare at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), advised the team on dynamic mixing. Also of note, Dr. Brian Sullivan, CEO at the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI), worked closely with the group on sow mortality. For the pork sector, the only constant is change, and the move to group sow housing is a prime example. The more producers can learn today about managing group gestation and limiting sow mortality, the better equipped they’ll be to face the future. Background Project Title: Optimizing sow productivity and management: Impact of grouping practices on sow reproductive performance and piglet development and identification of risk factors for sow mortality Lead(s)/Co-Lead(s): Dr. Jennifer Brown (Prairie Swine Center) Budget: $698 760 Research Methods To assess options for group management of sows, researchers used a variety of mixing times and grouping strategies in the barn. They also followed two of the groups to farrowing and examined the piglets to gauge the impact of pre-natal stress. To assess the piglets, researchers looked at vitality scores, cortisol (stress hormone) levels, behavior at tail docking, growth rate and length of time for piglets to approach the udder.

NEWS Government of Canada and industry investments in swine research will help drive competitiveness and sustainable growth in the Canadian pork sector News Release - February 20, 2024 Download the background document on the Priority Research Areas for 2023-2028 Sherbrooke, QC— Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) welcomed today’s investment of over $10.6 million by the Government of Canada in Swine Cluster 4, a strategic research program driving innovation in the Canadian pork sector until 2028. This initiative is made possible with support from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership – AgriScience Program, in collaboration with leading industry partners. “With this funding, we’re making sure our pork producers have the tools they need to continue to be leaders in the agriculture sector,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This will create opportunities for innovation so we can meet the growing global demand for our world-renowned Canadian pork.” Over the next five years, Swine Cluster 4 will invest up to $20.1 million in combined industry-government funding, focused on fostering continued sustainability, resiliency, and growth in the Canadian pork sector. This collaborative initiative brings together 50 researchers from 13 institutions, across 18 research and knowledge transfer activities. “Through this substantial investment, SIP and our partners can spearhead the research needed to deliver science-based solutions for the benefit of Canadian pork producers, processors, and exporters,” stated Arno Schober, Chair of SIP and an Ontario pork producer. “With industry, government, and academia united around shared priorities, we’re driving targeted research to help move our sector forward.” Research priorities for Swine Cluster 4 were established in consultation with stakeholders across the Canadian pork sector. Research priorities include climate change and the environment, sector resilience, economic growth, and communications and knowledge transfer. By advancing knowledge and innovation across these priority areas, researchers aim to unlock solutions that will enhance the Canadian pork sector’s competitiveness and sustainable growth. Research activities will investigate opportunities ranging from new vaccines and antimicrobial alternatives to sustainable management practices, productivity-enhancing feed strategies, enhanced genetics, improved meat quality, and much more. In addition to research, knowledge transfer will also facilitate information sharing and the adoption of technology, solidifying Canada's position at the leading edge of the global pork sector. “Innovation that boosts productivity, reduces risks, and enhances the Canadian brand ultimately benefits the full pork value chain, shared René Roy, SIP Vice Chair and Quebec pork producer. “As we embark on Swine Cluster 4, we extend our gratitude to the researchers and the research community for their efforts in the development of this initiative and the pursuit of innovation.” The Swine Cluster is also a driver for capacity building, supporting the training and knowledge base needed for the long-term advancement of pork sector priorities. “As a science-based industry, we recognize the importance of research investment,” concluded Schober. “Over the next 5 years, SIP looks forward to strengthening the Cluster’s foundational impact by mobilizing the coordination of research together with our partners across the sector.” -30- About Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) ​ Swine Innovation Porc is dedicated to driving innovation and progress in the Canadian pork industry. Through collaboration, funding research, and promoting knowledge transfer, SIP works towards ensuring the sustained success of the Canadian pork sector. Learn more at www.swineinnovationporc.ca . ​ For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Swine Innovation Porc info@swineinnovationporc.ca 1 (343) 600-5890 Background Document

ANIMAL HEALTH Animal health is a cornerstone for pork farmers and the broader industry. Healthy pigs lead to increased productivity, higher quality products, and consumer trust. By prioritizing animal well-being, pork farmers foster sustainable growth, resilience, and prosperity for themselves and the entire pork industry. ​ View animal health proj ects supported by Swine Innovation Porc since 2010 in the factsheets below. Brachyspira AFRICAN SWINE FEVER Develop tools required to minimize losses to the swine industry in the event of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in North America Aruna Ambagala, Canada Food Inspection Agency (et al.) Status: Ongoing. Results expected in 2021. FACT SHEET BRACHYSPIRA Towards the development of a method for determining the antimicrobial susceptibility of Brachyspira Joseph Rubin, University of Saskatchewan Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET ASF Disease Control DISEASE CONTROL Improved Biosecurity in the Canadian swine transport industry - Phase 3 Terry Fonstad, University of Saskatchewan (et al.) Status: Ongoing. Results expected in 2023. FACT SHEET Technology and Methodology Development for Improved Biosecurity in Livestock Transport Vehicles - Phase 2: Preliminary System Development and Data Acquisition Terry Fonstad, University of Saskatchewan (et al.) Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Bio-exclusion and bio-containment strategies to control epidemics resulting from airborne viral and bacterial transmission Caroline Duchaine, CRIUCPQ, associated with Laval University Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Use of tools related to molecular characterization, systemic analysis of stakeholders and geomatics for identification of principal vectors and contamination sources by bacteria and virus indicators at farm and slaughterhouse level Anne Letellier, University of Montreal Status: Completed in 2013. FACT SHEET Disease Resiliency & Microbiome DISEASE RESILIENCY & MICROBIOME Pig gut microbiome project - characterization of the core gut microbiome associated with pig health and performance: towards fecal diagnostics and microbiome therapy Vahab Farzan, Andrew Van Kessel, Ben Willing (et al.) Status: Ongoing. Results expected in 2023. FACT SHEET New tools to enable effective genomic selection for disease resilience Graham Plastow, University of Alberta Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Influenza INFLUENZA Dynamics of influenza infection in swine populations Zvonimir Poljak, University of Guelph (et al.) Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Development of a multiplex Luminex immunoassay for serologic diagnosis and subtyping of swine influenza virus (SIV) infections Yohanes Berhane, Canadian Food Inspection Agency Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET PED PED (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea) Survivability and infectivity of PED Virus in soil Mario Tenuta, University of Manitoba Status: Ongoing. Results expected in 2023. FACT SHEET Development of a rapid on-site diagnostic test for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus David Alton, Aquila Diagnostic Systems Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET PRRS PRRS (Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome) Improvement of therapeutic and prophylactic measures against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus through the discovery of antiviral drugs and the use of antimycotoxins Carl Gagnon, University of Montre al Status: Ongoing. Results expected in 2023. FACT SHEET Epidemiology of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) among swine herds, an applied research program supporting PRRS control projects Sylvie D'Allaire, University of Montreal Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Strep. suis STREP. SUIS Novel vaccine design as an alternative to antimicrobial use for preventing and controlling the swine and zoonotic agent Streptococcus suis Marcelo Gottschalk, University of Montreal (et al.) Status: Ongoing. Results expected in 2023. FACT SHEET Disease Control Influenza PRRS Disease Resiliency & Microbiome ASF Strep. suis PED Brachyspira

SIP Community Wire Discover news from the Canadian pork research community. Find bite-sized updates and exclusive interviews with leading researchers and industry professionals. Swine Cluster 4 Assembles Researchers From 13 Canadian Institutions Working Collaboratively on Pork Sector Priorities 5 Mar 2024 Swine Cluster 4 Assembles Researchers From 13 Canadian Institutions Working Collaboratively on Pork Sector Priorities Latest Article Swine Innovation Pork General Manager Daniel Ramage discusses the value of collaborative research. Read More Filter by Topic Animal Health Consumers Economics Nutrition Other Sustainability More News 30 Nov 2023 Animal Health, Nutrition Balanced Feed Intake Improves Gilt Health While Maintaining Milk Production Capability Button 26 Jul 2023 ​ Surprising Discoveries Could Lead to New Antiviral Drugs to Combat PRRS Button 6 Nov 2023 Sustainability SIP Research Assembles Best Minds to Address Pork Sector Challenges Button 25 Jul 2023 ​ Scientists Strive to Use Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Secreted Molecules to Fight PRRS Button 11 Aug 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health Scientists Seek Alternatives to Antibiotics for Growth Promotion Button 5 Jul 2023 Nutrition Canadian Scientists Evaluate Alternative Feeding Supplements Button 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

Cluster 3 Highlights Discover how research is propelling Canada's pork sector forward SIP's research partnerships are fuelling progress in the pork sector through ideas, discoveries and solutions that strengthen sustainability, competitiveness and resilience. Filter by Topic Topic Quality ARTICLE A Cut Above: Enhancing Pork Classification Through Quality A "Made in Canada" Solution A Cut Above: Enhancing Pork Classification Through Quality 12 Jul 2023 Animal Welfare ARTICLE Driven to Succeed: Transport Study Keeps Industry Rolling Ensuring Safe Travel for Pig Passengers Driven to Succeed: Transport Study Keeps Industry Rolling 19 Sept 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE Food Fight: Using Nursery Diets to Battle a Leading Pig Disease Can low complexity diets lead to healthier pigs and profits? Food Fight: Using Nursery Diets to Battle a Leading Pig Disease 12 Oct 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE In Robustness We Trust: Science Boosts Pig Performance Top End Nutrients to Boost the Bottom Line In Robustness We Trust: Science Boosts Pig Performance 2 Aug 2023 Animal Health ARTICLE Reaping the Pros of Probiotics Bacteria Has Benefits...Believe it or Not Reaping the Pros of Probiotics 3 Oct 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE Science Steps In to Keep Toxin Out More Options Lead to Fewer Losses for Producers Science Steps In to Keep Toxin Out 25 Jul 2023 Sustainability ARTICLE A Golden Chance to Green the Planet Science Lends a Hand to Lower Footprint A Golden Chance to Green the Planet 29 Aug 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE E. coli Study Just What the Doctor Ordered Keeping Pigs in the Pink of Health E. coli Study Just What the Doctor Ordered 8 Aug 2023 Animal Health, Animal Welfare ARTICLE Group Sow Management: Can’t We All Just Get Along? Reducing Stress for Pigs and Producers Group Sow Management: Can’t We All Just Get Along? 16 Aug 2023 Nutrition ARTICLE It’s High Time to Lower Feed Costs Stretching Diet Dollars Only Makes Sense It’s High Time to Lower Feed Costs 14 Jul 2023 Nutrition, Sustainability ARTICLE Save On Feed and Plump Up the Profit Research Has Finger on the Pulses Save On Feed and Plump Up the Profit 24 Aug 2023 Animal Health, Biosecurity ARTICLE The “Dirt” on Cleaner Trailers Science Helps to Scrub Out PED The “Dirt” on Cleaner Trailers 17 Aug 2023 Animal Health, Nutrition ARTICLE A Proactive Approach to Antibiotics Just Say No to Drug Resistance A Proactive Approach to Antibiotics 4 Oct 2023 Nutrition, Sustainability ARTICLE Feed Prices Eating You Up? Help is Here Keeping the Bottom Line Top of Mind Feed Prices Eating You Up? Help is Here 5 Sept 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE Gut Check: A New Approach to Weanling Gut Health Novel feed additive beats down bad bacteria Gut Check: A New Approach to Weanling Gut Health 12 Jul 2023 Nutrition ARTICLE Milking it: Boosting Returns with a Replacement Gilt Diet Maximizing milk yield can minimize costs for producers Milking it: Boosting Returns with a Replacement Gilt Diet 20 Jul 2023 Nutrition, Sustainability, Animal Health ARTICLE Science Feeds a Need to Lower Costs Diversity Makes the Difference Science Feeds a Need to Lower Costs 15 Aug 2023

SIP Community Wire Discover news from the Canadian pork research community. Find bite-sized updates and exclusive interviews with leading researchers and industry professionals. Swine Cluster 4 Assembles Researchers From 13 Canadian Institutions Working Collaboratively on Pork Sector Priorities 5 Mar 2024 Swine Cluster 4 Assembles Researchers From 13 Canadian Institutions Working Collaboratively on Pork Sector Priorities Latest Article Swine Innovation Pork General Manager Daniel Ramage discusses the value of collaborative research. Read More Filter by Topic Animal Health Consumers Economics Nutrition Other Sustainability More News 30 Nov 2023 Animal Health, Nutrition Balanced Feed Intake Improves Gilt Health While Maintaining Milk Production Capability Button 26 Jul 2023 ​ Surprising Discoveries Could Lead to New Antiviral Drugs to Combat PRRS Button 6 Nov 2023 Sustainability SIP Research Assembles Best Minds to Address Pork Sector Challenges Button 25 Jul 2023 ​ Scientists Strive to Use Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Secreted Molecules to Fight PRRS Button 11 Aug 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health Scientists Seek Alternatives to Antibiotics for Growth Promotion Button 5 Jul 2023 Nutrition Canadian Scientists Evaluate Alternative Feeding Supplements Button 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

Cluster 3 Highlights Discover how research is propelling Canada's pork sector forward SIP's research partnerships are fuelling progress in the pork sector through ideas, discoveries and solutions that strengthen sustainability, competitiveness and resilience. Filter by Topic Topic Quality ARTICLE A Cut Above: Enhancing Pork Classification Through Quality A "Made in Canada" Solution A Cut Above: Enhancing Pork Classification Through Quality 12 Jul 2023 Animal Welfare ARTICLE Driven to Succeed: Transport Study Keeps Industry Rolling Ensuring Safe Travel for Pig Passengers Driven to Succeed: Transport Study Keeps Industry Rolling 19 Sept 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE Food Fight: Using Nursery Diets to Battle a Leading Pig Disease Can low complexity diets lead to healthier pigs and profits? Food Fight: Using Nursery Diets to Battle a Leading Pig Disease 12 Oct 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE In Robustness We Trust: Science Boosts Pig Performance Top End Nutrients to Boost the Bottom Line In Robustness We Trust: Science Boosts Pig Performance 2 Aug 2023 Animal Health ARTICLE Reaping the Pros of Probiotics Bacteria Has Benefits...Believe it or Not Reaping the Pros of Probiotics 3 Oct 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE Science Steps In to Keep Toxin Out More Options Lead to Fewer Losses for Producers Science Steps In to Keep Toxin Out 25 Jul 2023 Sustainability ARTICLE A Golden Chance to Green the Planet Science Lends a Hand to Lower Footprint A Golden Chance to Green the Planet 29 Aug 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE E. coli Study Just What the Doctor Ordered Keeping Pigs in the Pink of Health E. coli Study Just What the Doctor Ordered 8 Aug 2023 Animal Health, Animal Welfare ARTICLE Group Sow Management: Can’t We All Just Get Along? Reducing Stress for Pigs and Producers Group Sow Management: Can’t We All Just Get Along? 16 Aug 2023 Nutrition ARTICLE It’s High Time to Lower Feed Costs Stretching Diet Dollars Only Makes Sense It’s High Time to Lower Feed Costs 14 Jul 2023 Nutrition, Sustainability ARTICLE Save On Feed and Plump Up the Profit Research Has Finger on the Pulses Save On Feed and Plump Up the Profit 24 Aug 2023 Animal Health, Biosecurity ARTICLE The “Dirt” on Cleaner Trailers Science Helps to Scrub Out PED The “Dirt” on Cleaner Trailers 17 Aug 2023 Animal Health, Nutrition ARTICLE A Proactive Approach to Antibiotics Just Say No to Drug Resistance A Proactive Approach to Antibiotics 4 Oct 2023 Nutrition, Sustainability ARTICLE Feed Prices Eating You Up? Help is Here Keeping the Bottom Line Top of Mind Feed Prices Eating You Up? Help is Here 5 Sept 2023 Nutrition, Animal Health ARTICLE Gut Check: A New Approach to Weanling Gut Health Novel feed additive beats down bad bacteria Gut Check: A New Approach to Weanling Gut Health 12 Jul 2023 Nutrition ARTICLE Milking it: Boosting Returns with a Replacement Gilt Diet Maximizing milk yield can minimize costs for producers Milking it: Boosting Returns with a Replacement Gilt Diet 20 Jul 2023 Nutrition, Sustainability, Animal Health ARTICLE Science Feeds a Need to Lower Costs Diversity Makes the Difference Science Feeds a Need to Lower Costs 15 Aug 2023

< Community Wire Next Article> Swine Cluster 4 Assembles Researchers From 13 Canadian Institutions Working Collaboratively on Pork Sector Priorities Bruce Cochrane 5 Mar 2024 Swine Innovation Pork General Manager Daniel Ramage discusses the value of collaborative research. 00:00 / 02:27 Farmscape for March 5, 2024 The General Manager of Swine Innovation Porc says Swine Cluster 4 brings together over 50 researchers from 13 institutions working collaboratively on 18 pork sector research and knowledge transfer priorities. Swine Cluster 4, a five year just over 20-million-dollar research initiative funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the provincial pork organizations and industry partners, was officially launched in late February. Swine Innovation Porc General Manager Daniel Ramage says a large-scale program like this really does start by looking at what are the priority areas for the industry? Quote-Daniel Ramage-Swine Innovation Porc: Through the swine cluster program, we have had the benefit of focussing on a wide range of priorities, things from animal health to nutrition, animal care, meat quality. Then, of course environmental sustainability is of increasing interest to both consumers and regulators and then to producers as well. The swine cluster really is looking at strengthening all of those areas through targeted research projects. What the swine cluster does through this collaborative investment is that it really does facilitate collaboration among researchers from leading institutions and universities across Canada and it focusses that research around targeted industry priorities, things that are going to drive forward meaningful advancements for the pork sector. It's bringing together over 50 researchers from across Canada and that's researchers from across 13 institutions working across 18 research and knowledge transfer activities. We're really excited about that, both the scope of the research that's being put forward but also the level of collaboration and the level of cooperation that we're able to advance through this type of investment. Full details on Swine Innovation Porc and its Swine Cluster 4 activities can be found at swineinnovationporc.ca . For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >

< Community Wire Next Article> Swine Cluster 4 Research Initiative Officially Launched Bruce Cochrane 21 Feb 2024 SIP Chair Arno Schober discusses the launch of the 20 million dollar Swine Cluster 4 research initiative. 00:00 / 02:31 Farmscape for February 21, 2024 The Government of Canada, Swine Innovation Porc and their research partners have officially launched the Swine Cluster 4 research program. The Swine Cluster research program is an initiative which unites industry, government and academic partners around shared research priorities focused on fostering continued sustainability, resiliency and growth in the Canadian pork sector. Pork sector stakeholders gathered yesterday in Sherbrooke, Quebec for the official launch of Swine Cluster 4. SIP Chair Arno Schober explains the Swine Cluster 4 program was developed using a highly collaborative approach intended to facilitate a research agenda that targets key pork industry priorities while avoiding duplication of efforts. Quote-Arno Schober-Swine Innovation Porc: The cluster is a five-year program and the total amount money allocated is just over 20 million dollars and it is really important for us to recognise that the Government of Canada is providing 10.6 million dollars to our cluster. The priorities are climate change and environment, economic growth and development and sector resilience and societal challenges. This approach is a collaboration across the country. In total we have about 13 research institutions that are part of Cluster 4, we have about 36 industry partners in this cluster and we have about 50 researchers with their projects and sub projects that are part of this. When you look at that, I would say that pretty much every swine research facility across Canada is part of this cluster and each project also has several sub projects so we're basically getting a collaboration from all swine researchers in Canada more or less. Schober notes there's a lot of feed produced in Canada and lots of space to raise livestock. He says, with 70 percent of its pork production exported, we need to have the research in place that will ensure Canada can stay competitive in the world export market. For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >

< Community Wire Next Article> Addition of Fibre Provides Balance in Diets of Developing Gilts Bruce Cochrane 16 Feb 2024 Dr. Lee-Anne Huber discusses the value of adding fibre to the diets of gestating gilts. 00:00 / 02:50 Farmscape for February 16, 2024 A multi-institutional team of scientists has shown the inclusion of fibre in the diets of developing gilts helps provide the nutritional balance that will avoid over conditioning without hindering the development of mammary tissues. Research aimed at improving the mammary development of gilts, conducted as part of Swine Cluster 3, is highlighted in Swine Innovation Porc's 2022-2023 annual report. Dr. Lee-Anne Huber, an associate professor specializing in swine nutrition, in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph, says we know that piglet growth is directly related to milk production and milk production is driven by mammary development so the goal was to find nutritional strategies to maximise mammary development. Quote-Dr. Lee-Anne Huber-University of Guelph: The first phase of mammary development occurs between 90 days of age and puberty. How we feed the gilts will influence their mammary development and their lifetime potential for milk production. On one hand we want to have those gilts growing quickly and supplying enough nutrients for that growth but if they grow too fast during the development period, that will lead to feet and leg problems later on in the reproductive herd and possibly early culling. On the other hand, if we restrict feed to slow down growth of the animals, we've shown that mammary development is also reduced and also subsequent milk production. We're trying to balance between having the gilts grow but not too fast but not restrict them too much. Since gilts are typically housed in groups in the gilt development unit and they have ad libitum access to feed in the first place, it's extremely difficult to try and restrict their growth by restricting the amount of feed that is supplied. Fibre is an attractive approach because it increases gut fill, it makes you feel full. That's why we eat high fibre diets when we're trying to lose weight, and reduces caloric intake while animals are still offered feed ad libitum. Dr. Huber says providing a high fibre diet was effective in controlling body size and body fatness at the time of breeding and mammary development was not negatively affected. For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >

< Community Wire Next Article> Recombinant African Swine Fever Virus Provides Tool to Evaluate Antiviral Compounds Bruce Cochrane 5 Jan 2024 Dr. Suresh Tikoo describes the value of a recombinant African Swine Fever virus designed to fluoresce when it replicates. 00:00 / 02:46 Farmscape for January 5, 2023 A recombinant African Swine Fever virus designed to fluoresce when it replicates is helping researchers evaluate the effectiveness of antiviral compounds for use in developing new drugs to help control the infection. With funding provided by Swine Innovation Porc, researchers with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization have created a recombinant African Swine Fever virus that allows them to see the effects of antiviral compounds on viral replication. Dr. Suresh Tikoo, a Professor and the Director of the Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics Graduate Program, in the School of Public Health and a senior scientist with VIDO, explains researchers are now evaluating panels of commercially available antiviral compounds. Quote-Dr. Suresh Tikoo-Dr. Suresh Tikoo: Mostly they are synthetic compounds which have been tested against a number of different viruses and other microorganisms. There are panels available from 5 thousand to 20 thousand compounds from the commercial companies. Usually, the drugs can act at different stages of virus replication. For example, virus attachment, DNA replication, protein synthesis or encapsulation of the virus. African Swine Fever virus does not form what we call plaques, which means that we can not see under the microscope whether the virus is replicating or not. So, we had to produce a recombinant African Swine Fever virus which expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP), a reporter gene. We have isolated that virus. So, what that gives us is that, when we treat the cells and then infect those cells with the GFP expressing virus we can measure the virus replication by visualizing the difference in number of cells expressing green signal (treated vs non treated cells) under the microscope. Dr. Tikoo says researchers are using high throughput screening in vitro (in tissue culture) in the CFIA approved level 3 lab at VIDO's International Vaccine Center in hopes of identifying a few antiviral compounds that merit further testing in vivo (in live animals). He expects to have results of the in vitro testing within four to five months. For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >