Effect of Technician, Machine, and Animal Body Composition on Accuracy of Ultrasonic Measures of Backfat and Loin Muscle Area in Swine

Records (n = 11,305) from the 1998 to 2003 National Swine Improvement Federation (NSIF) ultrasound certification programs were used to determine the effect of technician, machine (A-mode and B-mode: Aloka 500, Classic Scanner 200), and level of animal fat depth and loin muscle area on the accuracy of tenth rib off-midline backfat (BF10) and loin muscle area (LMA) measured on live pigs

Growth Comparison and Fecal Mineral Excretion of Inorganic and Organic Trace Mineral Supplementation in Swine

Fecal Analysis, off-test weights, and ultrasonic measurements were used to determine the response of BioplexTM trace minerals on the fecal mineral excretion (copper Cu, iron Fe, and zinc Zn) and growth and performance traits measured on live pigs (n=528). The use of BioplexTM mineral supplementation on phase fed growfinish pigs could potentially decrease the amount of heavy metal and nutrient excretion without impacting the overall performance of the animal. These organic mineral supplements can ultimately be fed to finishing swine without having a significant effect on percent lean (live or carcass), loin muscle area (LMA), backfat (BF10), average daily gain (ADG), or feed efficiency (FE). The use of BioplexTM trace minerals has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of swine production without any loss of production efficiency to the producer. Future work in the use of BioplexTM trace minerals and other mechanisms to reduce the environmental impact of swine production is warranted

Prediction of live body weight using various body measurements in Ugandan village pigs

A study to develop body weight prediction equations based on various body measurements was conducted in rural Kamuli district, Uganda. Body weight (kg) and body measurement data (cm) were collected from 411 pigs between 15 and 127 kg from both local and exotic (mainly crossbreds) pigs. Five body measurements; body length, heart girth, height, body width and flank-to-flank were taken from each pig. Prediction models were developed by regressing weight on pig body measurements. The models were developed for pigs categorized as \u3c 40kg, ≥ 40 kg and an overall single prediction model. Mean weights of \u3c 40 kg and ≥ 40 kg were 27 ± 6.5 kg and 63 ± 19.6 kg, respectively. Body length and heart girth were used to predict (R2 = 0.89) weight for the \u3c 40 kg pigs with the prediction equation; Weight = -41.814 + 0.296 (body length) + 0.654 (heart girth). Four body measurements; body length, heart girth, height and body width were strongly predictive (R2 = 0.92) of live body weight for the ≥ 40 kg pigs with the prediction equation; Weight = -108.198 + 0.228 (body length) + 1.094 (heart girth) + 0.267 (height) + 0.922 (body width). The flank-to-flank measurement did not affect model prediction (p \u3e 0.05) and quadratic terms also did not improve accuracy and were not included in any prediction models. These results suggest that live weight could be accurately estimated using two or more pig body measurements. It was concluded that this weight estimation tool would empower Ugandan small scale pig farmers by providing them with an accurate estimate for the animal’s live weight and giving them better bargaining power when selling their pigs

The Effects of Long Term Selection for Reduced Backfat and Increased Loin Muscle Area on Meat and Eating Quality Traits in Duroc Swine

A study was conducted to evaluate differences in performance, carcass composition, and eating quality characteristics of pigs sired by purebred Duroc boars currently available and pigs sired by purebred Duroc boars from the mid 1980’s. Two lines were developed by splitting and randomly allocating littermate and ½ sib pairs of females to matings by current (CTP) or old (OTP) time period boars. Subsequent boar, barrow, and gilt progeny from two replications were weighed on test at a group mean live weight of 140 lbs. Off-test ultrasonic LMA, BF10, and IMF measurements were collected on 789 pigs at a mean live weight of 240 lb. Records on pigs sired by CTP boars, from both replications (n=556), represented 23 sires while pigs sired by OTP boars (n=231) consisted of 15 sire groups. All available barrows and randomly selected gilts (n=277) were sent to a commercial abattoir and measurements of tenth-rib backfat (CBF10), last rib backfat (CLRBF), last lumbar backfat (CLLBF), and loin muscle area (CLMA) were collected. Chemical intramuscular fat percentage was determined by lab analysis of a loin sample from the 10th rib face of the longissimus muscle. Additional meat and eating quality traits measured were: Minolta reflectance and Hunter L (24 and 48 h); pH (24 h and 7 d); water holding capacity; subjective visual scores for color, marbling, and firmness (48 h); Instron tenderness, cooking loss, and trained sensory panel evaluations (7 d). Six serial ultrasonic measurements of 10th rib loin muscle area (LMA), off-midline backfat (BF10), and intramuscular fat percentage (IMF) from the first replication were collected every two weeks and used to assess deposition rate and growth pattern differences. There was no significant difference in average daily gain of pigs sired by boars from the two time periods. Pigs sired by CTP boars had larger (P \u3c 0.05) LMA measurements and less BF10, while pigs sired by OTP had significantly more IMF. Carcass evaluation revealed larger CLMA measurements, and significantly less CBF10, CLRBF, and CLLBF measurements for pigs sired by CTP boars. Pigs sired by OTP boars had a higher intramuscular fat percentage, lower Instron tenderness values, and higher subjective marbling and color scores than pigs sired by CTP boars (P \u3c 0.05). There were no significant differences between time periods for Minolta reflectance, Hunter L (24 and 48 h), water holding capacity, pH (24 h and 7 d), and subjective firmness scores. Trained sensory evaluations revealed higher (P \u3c 0.05) flavor scores and lower off-flavor scores for OTP sired pigs; however, no significant differences in tenderness score, juiciness score, chewiness score, and cooking loss were found between lines. Progeny of OTP boars began the test period at heavier weights and begin to decrease in daily body weight gain toward the conclusion of the test period, finishing with no advantage in body weight when compared to progeny of CTP boars. The analysis of serial backfat measurements revealed a linear pattern of backfat deposition between 150 and 270 lbs. Pigs sired by OTP boars deposited more backfat (

The Effect of Substituting High Oil Corn as a Replacement for Normal Corn in Nursery Pig Diets

The objective of this study was to determine the production and monetary effects of using High Oil Corn (HOC) in a nursery phase feeding program and monitor growth performance differences through marketing. Two groups of weaned crossbred pigs (n = 293 trial 1; n = 265 trial 2) were segregated by sex and weight into small, medium and heavy groups and allotted to 12 nursery pens. Pigs received one of two dietary treatments which included; a transitional phase I diet for 7 days; a commercial corn soy based phase II diet (NCII) for 14 days and a phase III diet (NCIII) for 7 days; a HOC soy based phase II diet for 21 days and the NCIII diet for 7 days. Body weight, Average daily feed intake and Gain/Feed (G/F) ratios were measured weekly during the nursery period. Pigs were transferred to a grow/finish barn on d 28 post-weaning. Body weight, Backfat (BF) and Longissimus Muscle Area (LMA) at the 10th and last ribs were ultrasonically evaluated 4 times prior to market. Average daily gain of nursery pigs on the three-phase NC diet was greater than pigs fed the HOC two-phase diet at d 21 post-weaning (p = .0034) and 28 post-weaning (p = .0128). ADG for heavy pigs was greater (p = .0001) than that of medium and lightweight pigs and no treatment�weight group interactions were observed (p = .2043). Pigs fed the three-phase diet had greater G/F ratios than pigs fed the HOC two-phase diet at d 21 (p = .0137) and 28 (p = .0134). LEA for pigs fed the three-phase diet was greater than pigs fed the HOC two-phase diet when measured on d 28 at the 10th (p = .0565) and last rib (p = .0370). Even though pigs were fed alike in the grow-finish period, ADG of pigs fed the three-phase nursery diet was greater (p = .0106) than that of pigs fed the HOC two-phase nursery diet. There were no differences in the predicted 114 kg weight (p = .2658). However, economic differences were noted for the two treatments with the HOC two-phase diet lowering the cost of production of marketed animals. There were no treatment differences for average daily lean growth per day (p = .8611) or percentage lean of carcasses (p = .2865). The results did not support removal of the transitional phase I diet and the substitution of HOC for NC in a phase II diet fed to nursery pigs for maximal nursery growth, nor was carcass composition of pigs at marketing adversely affected

Loading gantry versus traditional chute for the finisher pig: Effect on welfare at the time of loading and performance measures and transport losses at the harvest facility

The objectives of these studies were to evaluate the loading system effects [traditional chute (TC) vs. prototype loading gantry (PLG)] on i) welfare measures at loading and ii) performance measures and transport losses at the harvest facility for the market-weight pig (Sus scrofa). This study compared first pull (FP), which was the first group of pigs, and close out (CO), which was the last group of pigs marketed from a finishing facility. Experiment 1 evaluated 74 loads for welfare measures at loading on the farm, and Exp. 2 evaluated 497 loads for performance measures and transport losses at the harvest facility. Data were analyzed using the PROC Mixed procedure for Exp. 1 and PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS for Exp. 2. In Exp. 1, pigs loaded using the PLG had fewer (P × 0.0002) electric prod touches, slips, falls, vocalizations, and pile ups compared with pigs loaded on the TC during FP and CO. In Exp. 2, there were no (P \u3e 0.05) differences for any performance measures between loading systems or by pull. Pigs loaded using the prototype PLG loading gantry experienced fewer (P = 0.03) total transport losses than pigs loaded using the TC in the FP. In conclusion, the prototype loading gantry improved all welfare measures at the time of loading and reduced overall total transport losses. These studies demonstrate that loading systems that improve on-farm swine welfare at loading and reduce transport losses at the harvest facility can be designed

Drinker to Nursery Pig Ratio: Preference for a Drinker Location within a Pen and its Effects on Aggression

The objectives of this study were to (1) calculate aggressive interactions around the water bowl drinkers and to (2) determine preference for a water bowl location when pigs were offered either one, two or three water bowl drinkers per pen. Information is available on the current drinker to nursery pig’s ratios (drinker: pigs). In the UK producers are recommended 1:15, while in the US it is 1:10 for nursery pigs. A total of 225 crossbred were seven weeks of age. Conventional nursery pens had plastic flooring and all pigs had ad-libitum access to a commercially formulated diet. Water was delivered through a single stainless steel water bowl drinker and was provided ad libitum. All pigs received a natural light cycle from a curtain sided building. Nine pens were used for behavioral measures. Three treatments were compared. Treatment one (TRT 1; n = 3) was defined as one water bowl drinker per pen. Treatment two (TRT 2; n = 3) was defined as two water bowl drinkers per pen. Treatment three (TRT 3; n = 3) was defined as three water bowl drinkers per pen. One day prior to visual recording of drinking behavior, all pigs in a pen were identified with an individual number. One 12 V black and white CCTV camera was positioned over each water bowl drinker and behavior was recorded from 0700 to 1300 h over two consecutive days onto a DVR at 1 frame per second. The acquisition of drinking behavior (defined as the pig having its head in the water bowl drinker for 5 s or longer) was obtained by three experienced observers who viewed the recordings using 24 h mode (5 frame / s) onto the Observer software. Total number of aggressive interactions and length of aggression around the water bowl drinker over the 6 h period was not (P \u3c 0.05) different between the treatments. The total amount of time that nursery pigs spent when offered two (F vs. O) water bowl drinkers in a pen did not (P = 0.47) differ. However, when pigs were offered three (F vs. O vs. A) water bowl drinkers in a pen there was a difference (P \u3c 0.0001) for total amount of time spent at all three locations. In conclusion, pigs displayed a water bowl drinker preference with the alley location being the least favored however, there were no difference in the number or length of aggressive interactions

Selection for Intramuscular Fat in Duroc Swine – An Update

Long-term progress or improvement in many economically important traits is ultimately the responsibility of the seedstock supplier. If selection progress is to be made in traits of economic importance, the trait must: 1) be accurately measurable, 2) show sufficient heritability, and 3) display an adequate level of variation. For such reasons, tremendous progress has been made in the swine industry toward increasing lean meat percentage over the past quarter century. However, in more recent years, meat quality traits have received more attention and have become more important in breeding programs as producers and processors try to meet consumer demands for high quality, nutritious products

Selection for Intramuscular Fat in Duroc Swine

Today’s U.S. pork industry is experiencing phenomenal growth as it continues to meet consumer demand and pork is the most widely eaten meat worldwide. Pork has proven to be a valuable protein source as Americans consume 66 lbs/person/year on a carcass disappearance basis (USDA, 2002 Agricultural Statistics). Pork production in the United States is also a vital part of the economy. Nearly 19 billion pounds of pork, with a retail value of $38 billion, was processed from about 97 million hogs in 2001. The U.S. pork industry is responsible for over$72 billion in total domestic economic activity. In addition, the pork industry adds over $27 billion of value to basic production inputs such as corn and soybeans (NPPC, 2003)

Drinker to Nursery Pig Ratio: Preference for a Drinker Location within a Pen and its Effects on Aggression

The objectives of this study were to (1) calculate aggressive interactions around the water bowl drinkers and to (2) determine preference for a water bowl location when pigs were offered either one, two or three water bowl drinkers per pen. Information is available on the current drinker to nursery pig’s ratios (drinker: pigs). In the UK producers are recommended 1:15, while in the US it is 1:10 for nursery pigs. A total of 225 crossbred were seven weeks of age. Conventional nursery pens had plastic flooring and all pigs had ad-libitum access to a commercially formulated diet. Water was delivered through a single stainless steel water bowl drinker and was provided ad libitum. All pigs received a natural light cycle from a curtain sided building. Nine pens were used for behavioral measures. Three treatments were compared. Treatment one (TRT 1; n = 3) was defined as one water bowl drinker per pen. Treatment two (TRT 2; n = 3) was defined as two water bowl drinkers per pen. Treatment three (TRT 3; n = 3) was defined as three water bowl drinkers per pen. One day prior to visual recording of drinking behavior, all pigs in a pen were identified with an individual number. One 12 V black and white CCTV camera was positioned over each water bowl drinker and behavior was recorded from 0700 to 1300 h over two consecutive days onto a DVR at 1 frame per second. The acquisition of drinking behavior (defined as the pig having its head in the water bowl drinker for 5 s or longer) was obtained by three experienced observers who viewed the recordings using 24 h mode (5 frame / s) onto the Observer software. Total number of aggressive interactions and length of aggression around the water bowl drinker over the 6 h period was not (P \u3c 0.05) different between the treatments. The total amount of time that nursery pigs spent when offered two (F vs. O) water bowl drinkers in a pen did not (P = 0.47) differ. However, when pigs were offered three (F vs. O vs. A) water bowl drinkers in a pen there was a difference (P \u3c 0.0001) for total amount of time spent at all three locations. In conclusion, pigs displayed a water bowl drinker preference with the alley location being the least favored; however, there were no difference in the number or length of aggressive interactions