The Manager Nutrition and Research with Gowans Feed Consulting says effective feeding management is key to maximizing the longevity and productivity of sows.
A researcher with the Prairie Swine Centre says one of the biggest challenges in converting to loose sow house has been familiarizing the animals with the use of electronic sow feeding systems.
An agriculture professor with Newcastle University says an understanding animal behaviour when selecting feeding systems and formulating diets can help avoid many of the problems encountered when caring for pregnant sows.
Researchers with the University of Manitoba hope to have new tools available in 2013 to assist pork producers planning the switch to group housing of sows choose the system that will best work for them.
A researcher with the University of Manitoba suggests the social aspects of group housing and the feeding system that will be used are the main considerations when planning the switch to group housing of sows.
Researchers with the Prairie Swine Centre report feeding systems like the one being used at its new sow research facility offer greater control over feed and reduced aggression during feeding.
