News - Sows

New software developed by the University of Manitoba will help pork producers planning to move from stall housing of gestating sows to group housing design the system that will best fit their needs.

Research conducted by the Prairie Swine Centre suggests using rubber mats could benefit producers that are moving to group housing systems for sows.

A director with Manitoba Pork Council says pork producers need to consider now how they’ll make the switch from stall housing to group housing of gestating sows.

Research conducted by the University of Alberta has shown the nutritional requirements of gestating sows increases in the later stages of pregnancy.

An agricultural economist with the University of Missouri suggests some type of verification system will be needed to ensure retailers who promise their pork is sourced from farms that use open pen sow housing are keeping those promises.

The University of Manitoba expects new tools being developed to help pork producers planning the switch to group sow housing choose the system that best matches their management to be ready for use by this coming fall.

Research conducted by the Prairie Swine Centre indicates the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is of greater significance in influencing the reproductive performance of the sow than the actual amounts of the compounds.

Research conducted by the Prairie Swine Centre shows the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of the sow can affect how well her piglets will respond to immune challenges presented at weaning.

The chair of Manitoba Pork Council’s research committee says, before any alternative system for housing gestating sows can be endorsed for widespread adoption, it needs to be thoroughly assessed.

Research conducted by the Saskatoon based Prairie Swine Centre shows, given the choice, not all sows will choose to leave their stalls.