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Economics & Management | Feed | Breeding | Genetics | Welfare | Environment | Meat | Food Safety |
2009 Annual ReportThis document proposes to inform about 2009 Ifip’s activities: the abstracts of technical articles published by our Institute are organized by broad fields. For more information, please write to: ifip@ifip.asso.fr
Economics & managementEastern European pig outlookHow stakeholders see pig farms with a future?Chart of the flows of meat between the different branches of the pork industry: From slaughtering to consumptionPiglet production and trade channels in France: Volumes, actors and pricesDevelopment of biofuels: Economic consequences for pig productionFrench pig farming: Performance results for 2008Consumer purchasing patterns: From purchase intention to making the buyPig farm barns: Outlook and trendsContending with crisis: Which management tools? What latent risks?Group-housing gestating sows: Analysis of ‘GTTT’ results (technical management of sow herds)Assessment of the cost of pulmonary problems in a sample of French pig farmsChange in pig production in Denmark: Farms, technical performance, environmental regulation and prospectsFeatures of pork products consumption: A comparison between TNS panel data and the INSEE "Family Budget survey"Reproductive performance and overall economic results in French sow herds of contrasting prolificacy levelsMonthly indicators of pig production cost in different countriesAutomatic determination of batch farrowing system from the national data bank for pig farm management: Method, results and perspectivesFeedEvaluation of a feeding strategy established using InraPorc® software and tested on pigs obtained from Piétrain or crossbred Large White x Piétrain siresEffect of digestible phosphorus on the animal performance of finisher pigsNutritional values of glycerol for pork. Current status of available knowledgeA herd modelling approach to determine the economically and environmentally most interesting dietary amino acid level during the fattening periodEffect of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) type and incorporation rate on post-weaning and fattening performance of pigsIncidence of fermentable fibre on piglet performances and health during post-weaningEffects of diet complexity on weaning pigs' growth performanceEffects of riboflavin on growth performance of fattening pigsComparison of five commercial dietary feed supplements administrated orally to newborn piglets in rearing conditionsInfluence of the dietary amino acid level over the first week of lactation on sow's milk production and body reserve mobilisation during a four-weeks lactation periodEffects of fish meal on weaning pigs' growth performanceA herd modelling approach to define feeding strategies combining economic performance and environmental concern in fattening pigsEffect of the incorporation of 1.4% lipids from palm oil or extruded linseed in gestation and lactation diets on farrowing progress and piglets' survival before weaningEffect of extruded linseed incorporation in sows and/or pigs' diets on growth performance and carcass qualityBreedingInfluence of pig rearing system on animal performance and manure compositionFarming conditions and practices linked to Salmonella prevalence in slaughter pigsIs there a relationship between sows' characteristics and neonatal diarrhoea occurrence? Proposed answers from measurements performed in commercial unitsEnergy cost control in pig barn heating and ventilationManaging highly prolific sowsDietary intake during early pregnancy does not influence embryonic survival and variability in giltsUltrasonographic counting of swine embryosReproduction results and economic performance in sow herds of constrasting prolificacy levelsHyperprolific sow, physiological or pathological ?Influence of floor type during fattening on pig cleanliness and microbiological contamination of pigs and carcassesBest hygiene practices on pig farms: Feedback on the food chain, transportability, and salmonella action plansDoes hormonal farrowing induction affect the colostrum production of sows ?Screening of Salmonella antibody in pigs: Comparison of the results obtained on serum and meat juice, and influence of freezing duration of meat juiceAnalysis of physio-metabolic parameters in relation with long or complicated farrowings in the sowBiosafety and hygiene practices on pig farms: Survey resultsImpact of drinking water acidification during finishing on the on-farm prevalence of SalmonellaWater use and energy consumption in pig slaughtering-processing plants: Characterization of practices employed in 8 stations2008 running review of zoonotic diseases across the EUHeterogeneity of piglets born from hyperprolific sowsNew application of imaging techniques in pig reproduction: from research to farm managementBehavioural assessment of coping abilities in boars used in artificial insemination studs: Relationships with the responses to the first semen collection attemptEffect of acidifying fattening feed to reduce carriage of Salmonella in high prevalence pig herdsHomogeneity of an oxytetracycline water medication, administered with a dosing pumpFactors associated with successful boar training in Al centreGeneticsThe adult boar testicular and epididymal transcriptomesImplementation of a marker-assisted selection program in the Chinese-European Duochan pig populationEstimation of genetic trends from 1977 to 2000 for stress-responsive systems in French Large White and Landrace pig populations using frozen semenGenetic parameters and genetic trends for litter size at birth and at weaning and teat number in French Landrace and Large White pigsResults of 29th end-product inspection testNotification of pig movements is now compulsoryBreeding goals for sustainable animal breeding: Views and expectations of stakeholders from the production chains and the general publicEffect of the halothane genotype on growth performances, carcass, and meat quality traits in the Piétrain breed of the French national pig breeding programGenetic correlations between carcass length, fat and muscle depths and primal cut weights in the French Large White sire lineBetween-breed variability of primal cuts weight and genetic correlations with pork quality traitsAnalysis of genetic variability of Spanish and French pig populations from paternity test dataGenetic evaluation of French Pietrain pigs including the halothane genotypeWelfareWelfare assessment in 82 pigs farms: Effect of animal age and floor type on behaviour and injuries in fattening pigsEvaluation of the safety, efficacy and production benefits of vaccination against boar taint in male pigs raised under commercial field conditions in FranceCurrent practice and stakeholder attitudes regarding piglet castration in EuropeOn farm pig welfare assessment: Comparison between slatted floors and litter based systemsEffect of local anesthesia or anti-inflammatory treatment on pain associated with piglet castration and on labour demandImpact of the non castration of male pigs on growth performance and behaviour - comparison with barrows and giltsComparison between local anesthesia (1ml lidocaïne 1% per piglet) and analgesia (ketoprofene) on pain associated with piglet castrationFogging system: a way to improve the welfare of growing-finishing pigs during summer periodsEnvironmentMeasuring gaseous emissions from stored pig slurryWet scrubber: One way to reduce ammonia and odours emitted by pig unitsBest available techniques in French pig productionEvaluation of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn in manure of weaned pigs receiving high levels of organic or inorganic supplementationFirst estimate of the carbon footprint of pig production at the farm gateA whole farm-model to simulate the environmental impacts of animal farming system: MELODIEComparison of ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from fattening pigs kept either on partially slatted floor in cold conditions or on fully slatted floor in thermoneutral conditionsMembrane filtration of pig slurry - Part 1: Review of the literatureMembrane filtration of pig slurry - Part 2: Perspectives for application in the pork industryGaseous and odorous emissions from a bio-digestor of pig corpsesLife cycle Assessment (LCA) of five pig production systems with different hypotheses for impact calculationSedimentation speed of dry matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in liquid manure from pigsMeatDetermining the lean content of pork carcassesHydrating pigs before loading: Impact on carcass performance, meat quality and processabilityThe downstream pork industry: Energy efficiency analysis on industrial unit operationsFresh pork meat: Operationally-deployable meat quality criteria. Links to exudative lossesCooking and endpoint temperature on the nutritional values of pork loinKinetics of the drop in pH between 18 and 72 h post-mortem: pH patterns in crude and boned hamsImpact of packaging mode on the livespan of pork meat in industrial consumer sales unitsSensory quality of pork meat: Impact of slaughter age and the use of the Duroc pig for Label Rouge production or heavy pigs. Utility of loin maturationMarinated pork products: Technological and sensory aspectsBone blackening: What are the risk factors?Consumer acceptability in 2010 of entire male meat in processing meat industry of sausage, lardon, dry sausage and cooked hamEffect of halothane genotype on growth performance and carcass and meat qualityImpact of packaging on the organoleptic quality of pork: Bone marrow darkeningAndrostenone and skatole levels in fat tissues and consumer acceptability of pork from entire male pigs reared in commercial farmsEU reference dissection method: The bellyDetection of invariant structures and selection of representative MRI slices of pig lean meat percentageDetermination of IMF by MRI: A validation with the NIT and NMR techniquesPig myology dissection atlas: Potential tool for image labelingEU dissection of pig carcass: HamValidation of the French equation to predict the lean meat percentage of pig carcasses using the CGM deviceComparison between computed tomography (CT) and dissection in order to measure the lean meat percentage of pig carcass cutsFood SafetyMeat processing and colon carcinogenesis: Cooked, nitrite-treated and oxidized high-heme cured meat promotes mucin depleted foci in ratsViral risk associated with pork consumptionProbabilistic modeling of Listeria monocytogenes behaviour in diced bacon along the manufacture process chainDesign of challenge testing experiments to assess the variability of microbial behaviors in foodsModelling microbial competition in foods. Application to the behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes and lactic acid flora in diced baconSampling plan optimisation: Application to French diced bacon industry and Listeria monocytogenesQuantification of the effect of factors involved in challenge-test assays on the growth rate estimation of Listeria monocytogenesEfficiency of sampling methods to monitor the bacterial contamination of pork carcasses before and after chillingAssessment of public health risks from Salmonella infection in pigs and impact of control measuresYersinia enterocolitica prevalence in the pig and pork industry: First results on pig tonsils from three French slaughterhouses |
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Economics & ManagementEastern European pig outlookFor the past 20 years, several Eastern Europe countries have been impacted by important political and economic changes, from a state-planned economy to a liberal, market orientated one. Each of them dispose great potential for pig production, but recent crises like the pig market crisis (2007) and the global financial crisis could delay or cancel reorganisation of the industry and its development. PIG PROGRESS (NLD), 2009, V. 25, N° 5, P. 18-20How stakeholders see pig farms with a future?For 10 years, unlike other competitors, the French pig production stagnates and its farms are struggling to restructure. A status in 2006 showed the great age of pig buildings which hinders the expression of genetic and technical progress. The evolution of performances, regulations, technologies and pig producers forces pig farms to urgent adaptations in order to stay technically in the race and to encourage vocations. This article reflects the vision of the stakeholders, gathered during interviews in 2007, of what the pig farms will be in 10-15 years. Three archetypes are identified for three main logical: to exploit the complementarity between pigs and cultures, to access to economies of scale and to optimise performance to crush high fixed costs (wages, modern buildings), to delegate sows breeding. Other models for other logical will still remain, at least for a while, contributing to the maintain of pig production: fattening within mixed farming to make use of available labour, association of pig and milk production to diversify income sources… Forces and brakes to the restructuring of pig farms identified by stakeholders highlight the technical and political actions to drive in order to give French pig production a future and prospects. As it proposes pig farm models that combine profitability and respect of society and environment demands, the study in which this survey was included aims to offer the industry the means to argue its choices, to facilitate consensus on models to advocate and to lead changes. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 285-290Chart of the flows of meat between the different branches of the pork industry: From slaughtering to consumptionA chart illustrating the flows of pork meat between the branches of the pork industry has been developed. It is mainly based on bibliographical and statistical data. The existing flows of pork carcasses, cuts and fresh meat and processed products have been listed and quantified. This work shows the role played by the different branches in manufacturing and providing consumption goods to the consumers. The main flows link slaughtering and cutting companies with industrial meat-processing manufacturers and retail groups. Less important flows have also been underlined, concerning branches such as traditional processing and catering, whose role is more difficult to define. The existing data was not sufficient to describe the whole situation: some of the flows had to be assessed. The methods used and the unsolved questions are given to discussion, in order to improve the knowledge of the flows. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 297-304Piglet production and trade channels in France: Volumes, actors and pricesA recent study led by the IFIP provides deeper insight into piglet trade channels in France. Of the 27 million piglets produced, 9 million change farm. Around 40% are repurchased, essentially by farrow-to-finish operators post-weaning, while the remaining 60% are sold, mostly at 8 kg. There are three sale-price market reference systems (industry-indexed prices, quotation, cost price) aligned to three business channels (market, farm-to-farm, release from pooled farrowing houses). Farrow-to-finish farms sell as many piglets as specialist weanling producers. They are able to offer lower sales, as the piglets count as surplus, and are consequently squeezing the market. If the differentiation between farrowing and finishing is to survive sustainably, weanling producers will need to be given market guarantees. Over the last ten years, insufficient profitability has forced 80% of weanling producers out of business. The farm groups are major players in the piglet trading market, acting as transporters, business intermediaries, or even integrators. However, they push weanling producers and finisher farms to handle their own piglet stock needs and market outlets, whether farmer-to-farmer or via pooled farrowing houses. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 1, JANVIER-FEVRIER, P. 3-8Development of biofuels: Economic consequences for pig productionAfter setting the proportion of biofuels for 2010 at 5.75%, the EU is now aiming for a threshold level of 6% in 2020 for first generation biofuels. With a projected proportion of 7% for 2010, France is taking a proactive stance. The share of imports relative to European production is a major unknown. The production of biofuels in the EU will have a moderate effect on the demand for cereals. It will stimulate the production of rapeseed but will rely on imports of seeds and oils. Additional availability of spent grain from cereal distilleries, and rapeseed and sunflower meals will take their place in a protein provision that will be highly dependent on soy meal. In France, the creation of several large scale industrial plants for oilseed processing and cereal distillation has generated new resources for animal feed. The incorporation of rapeseed meals should increase in pig feed. Spent cereal grain may first be used for dairy and beef cattle and poultry. The proactive law on energy of 2007 will develop the use of maize for ethanol production in the US, with considerable amounts being produced by corn distillers. With the rise in maize prices, making good use of these by-products will be a major challenge for pork production. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 2, P. 3-8French pig farming: Performance results for 2008In 2008, no single pig farm category escaped the effects of the hike in feed prices. Faced with rocketing feed expenditure, the profits on end-products were insufficient to compensate for the slipping markup on feed and rotation costs, which continued the 2007 decline. 2008 saw production costs hit a 20-year high. Pork prices, despite rallying slightly, still settled way below the cost price. These sprialing cost prices have triggered another industry-wide economic crisis, with the same sale price-cost price differential as in 1998. Pig farmer's have seen their 2008 revenues nosedive to below the levels of the 2002-2003 crisis, and even approaching the critical lows of 1998 levels. On-farm profitability continues the slide from 2007, which was already sharp enough, and has now fallen into the minus figures for every single pig farming system. In 2007 and 2008, the average losses made by French pig farmers have cancelled out the profits made over the previous two yeras (2005-2006). This kind of industry-wide average means that over a 5-year cycle, around half of the nation's pig farms will be under budget. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 3, P. 3-11Consumer purchasing patterns: From purchase intention to making the buyConsumer choices from the panel of pork products on offer are guided by an array of criteria. Qualitative market research was led in autumn 2008 in order to pinpoint the mechanisms governing consumer purchasing patterns. A trade-off analysis backed up by congruence testing determined the relative importance of product-driven attributes in consumer choices, and revealed insight into what drives decision-to-purchase. Original meat source came through as a decisive factor in whether to buy, whereas consumer perceptions of farm system-related statements and taglines proved ambiguous. Finally, dissonance testing led via 'pre' and 'post'-purchase interviews gauged the many contradictions hanging over consumers' stated purchase intentions and their actual buys. It highlighted how meat shelf attractiveness, prices and promotional offers all have a major influence at the critical point when the consumer moves to makes the buy. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 3, P. 15-18Pig farm barns: Outlook and trendsThe IFIP, operating under the CASDAR project, has led a forward-looking inquiry into future farm models for French pig farming and pork production. Part of this research consisted in determining which farm structures are liable to lead as frontrunners over the next decade. The results of this research section were published by Christine Roguet (Ifip 2009). This paper reports the conclusions on the pig farm building-centred strand of the research. Analysis focused on the challenges and constraints that pig farms will have to contend with. The paper proposes or identifies technical solutions (some already deployed, some needing research) geared to meeting the brunt of the challenges the pork production industry is expected to be facing over a 10-year time-horizon. The 2019 pig farm building will typically be built in insulated load-bearing panels. Ventilation is centralized, with air-scrubbing and energy recovery. The air is preheated in winter and cooled in summer. Animal feed is delivered in moisture-rich formats at every stage. Low value-added operations, such as animal transport or hall washdowns, are either automated or re-engineered. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 3, P. 19-24Contending with crisis: Which management tools? What latent risks?Future risk management and crisis handling tools will still hinge as heavily on government authorities. Market stabilization instruments have to be kept in-pocket, ready for deployment as a preventive measure if crisis looms. Furthermore, private-circle risk management initiatives can be expected to mushroom as groupings propose organized sector channels and systems. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 3, P. 29-34Group-housing gestating sows: Analysis of ‘GTTT’ results (technical management of sow herds)A questionnaire campaign led in 2009 collected technical feedback on group-synchronized swine herd management. The surveys inventoried up to 600 pig farms where at least 80% of pregnancies were confirmed as group-synchronized from a pool of 4000 breeding units registered in the IFIP database (14% running group-synchronized pig breeding). The dominant systems use trough-feeding, with or without stall rails or feed stations. A third of breeders do not confine the sows at insemination, whereas a majority (53%) keep the sows penned in individual stalls for 4 or sometimes even 5 weeks after siring. The final population sample comprised breeder units with consistent GTTT datasets available for 2008. The technical results were calculated for the three systems (trough with/without stall rails, feeding station, and automatic pig feeder). Units equipped with automatic pig feeders wean more piglets per breeding sow. Culling rates are higher and more variable under automatic feeder systems. Breeder unit prolificacy figures were identical across the 3 groups, despite very different unit sizes. However, there were significant differences in numerical productivity. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 6, P. 27-32Assessment of the cost of pulmonary problems in a sample of French pig farmsThe aim of this study was to assess the economic impact of lung lesions in a sample of French pig farms. This study was part of a research project driven by the French Agency for Food Safety since 2006 on respiratory diseases in growing-finishing pigs. The required data from 100 farrow-to-finish pig herds located in the western part of France were obtained and analysed. The data set included in particular feed efficiency, mortality rate, and the amount of drug and vaccines used. Herds were selected at random in an extensive list of farms affiliated to the cooperatives. The herds were classified in three categories according to the extent of the lung lesions (from low to severely affected). In a second step, these data were processed and a specific dedicated model was run. The economic margin of each herd was obtained. The average margin was then compared between the different categories, to estimate the economic impact of respiratory diseases. The calculations provided an estimation of the economic losses associated with different severity levels of pneumonia and pleuritis. An average economic alteration of nearly 3 euros/ pig was found when the extreme two groups were compared. Only pulmonary disorders were here considered. Since production cost remains the key element of sustainability of our pig farming systems, this study clearly shows the urgent need to reduce all those endemic health problems in order to have more efficient pigs whereas by the way avoiding impairment of welfare. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 53-58Change in pig production in Denmark: Farms, technical performance, environmental regulation and prospectsThe Danish pig production has always been able to adapt and to evolve quickly. Its current growth and deep structural change contrast with the stagnation in France. The pig farm reorganization is already impressive (30 000 farms in 1990, 5 800 in 2008) and it accelerates under the increasing pressure of environmental constraints while the control of farm structure is softened. In Denmark, a farm model is clearly designed and promoted by the representatives of pig production. Farms must be very professional and optimize technical performance (sow, feed, labour, building productivity). For this purpose, they become fewer and specialize in breeding or fattening. Thus about 700 breeding sites of almost 1,000 sows on average concentrate half of the reproductive herd of the country. Water and biodiversity protection has been a priority for a long time in Denmark. Strict rules are imposed on farms and their application is actually controlled. For example, animal dejections are spread without almost any treatment, but fertilization, which must use organic nitrogen firstly, is strictly controlled. The environmental rules limit the fattening possibilities; 20% of produced piglets are exported today. Procedures of farms authorization have been more flexible than in France until recently. But they were hardened. In the future, the growth of Danish pig production could thus become more difficult. Nevertheless, it benefits today from farms armed to take up the challenge of competitiveness and well accepted by society. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 59-64Features of pork products consumption: A comparison between TNS panel data and the INSEE "Family Budget survey"Pork products purchased by households are analyzed by using two sets of data: the “fresh products” panel by TNS and the “Family Survey” implemented by INSEE. The aim is to compare results for five products: fresh pork meat, ham (cooked and cured), sausages, pork sausages and bacon. For each data source, the expenses and quantities shares were calculated as well as the average prices, and then analyzed according to four socio-demographic variables of households: age of the people in charge of purchase, household size, kind of dwelling and income level. The total of these five products represents an average of 6.2% of the global food expenses (including beverages but without tobacco). The average purchase price for French households is 8 €/kg with TNS data and 8.7 €/kg with Bdf (+9%). Age and income level are the two variables which explain the most of the variation of expenses and purchased quantities among the population. Total expenses of households under 35 years old are significantly lower than the whole sample ones (-26% with Bdf data), contrary to the older households (more than 65 years old). The structure of households’ expenses structures, for each age and income class, is very similar for the two data sources. Despite the different goals they have, this first study shows that cross-analysis using TNS and Bdf data would be of great interest and should be continued. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 71-76Reproductive performance and overall economic results in French sow herds of contrasting prolificacy levelsPoster. The development of hyperprolific sows has been associated with a huge increase in perinatal mortality. The aim of the present study is to re-evaluate other possible side effects of high prolificacy on reproduction, subsequent weaning-to-sale performance and global economic results in French pig farms. This study is performed using data from the French National Pig Management database (GTTT GTE, namely) average annual reproductive performance in 2007 (2 226 herds) or economic results (1 300 farms). The analysis of the effects of prolificacy level (13 total born, ]13-14], ]14-15], >15), age at weaning (3 vs 4 weeks) and herd size (< 150, 150-250, 250 sows) shows that despite higher pre-weaning mortality, prolific herds have the best reproductive performance. Neither sow longevity nor performance during the subsequent weaning-to-sale period are impaired in prolific herds. The annual gross margin per sow differed by around 200 euros between the extreme groups. Despite higher veterinarian and medicine expenses, more prolific herds obtain better economic results mainly because of higher numerical productivity and better feed efficiency. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 47-48Monthly indicators of pig production cost in different countriesPoster. Due to strong international competition, it is essential to assess the production costs and their trend in different countries, in order to compare them to the French situation. The IFIP (French institute for pig and pork industry) have identified production costs models, which are being updated monthly by including feeding prices, in Europe (France, Netherlands), North America (US, Canada) and South America (Brazil). We have described these models, and harmonised their outcome, to allow comparisons between countries. In particular, we studied the effect of the rise in feeding costs in the second half of 2007 on the total production cost. Important differences have been reported among countries, due to differences in market behaviours, to the portion of the total cost represented by the feeding cost, and to considerable fluctuations in the exchange parity. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 311-312Automatic determination of batch farrowing system from the national data bank for pig farm management: Method, results and perspectivesPoster. There is a large diversity of Batch Farrowing Systems (BFS) in French pig farms and farmers are looking for specific technical references for their own system. In this study we developed a method for automatic determination of BFS using weaning data of the national data bank for pig farm management. The method is based on the analysis of the distribution of two criteria: intervals between two “main weaning” events and duration of lactation. According to a survey conducted on 612 farms, the method provided accurate BFS determinations for more than 93% herds. The 3-week BFS is still dominant (70% of herds, 50% of sows), but the 1-week BFS already represents more than 25% of the sows. Sow individual litter performances were similar in the different BFS, whereas average annual herd performances varied between BFS mainly due to a reduction in the duration of productive cycle or of non-productive days. Technico-economical benchmarking procedures may benefit from a future automatic determination of BFS. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, VOL. 41, P. 313-314 |
FeedEvaluation of a feeding strategy established using InraPorc® software and tested on pigs obtained from Piétrain or crossbred Large White x Piétrain siresGrowth performance of 184 pigs obtained either from Piétrain sires or crossbred Large White x Piétrain sires were characterised under non limiting amino acid supplies (trial 1). Average performance over growing and finishing periods were used to parameterise the growth and feed intake curves for each type of pig in InraPorc® software and thereafter to estimate their respective digestible lysine requirement per unit of net energy (LYSd/NE). At the beginning of the growing and finishing periods, LYSd/NE requirement was close to 0.8 and 0.7 g/MJ, respectively. Those levels were used in the treatment BAS, that corresponded to a reduced dietary nitrogen supply but high enough to meet requirements. In trial 2, this feeding strategy was compared to the strategy used in trial 1 (treatment «HAUT»; 0.9 et 0.8 g LYSd/MJ NE, during the growing and finishing periods, respectively). Comparisons were performed either through a growth trial carried out on two batches of pigs obtained from PP or LWxPP sires (70 pigs per treatment and type) or through simulations with InraPorc®. For this latter purpose, animal profiles were characterised again in trial 2 from pigs allocated to treatment HAUT. Some differences were observed between profiles obtained from trials 1 and 2, mainly related to differences in feed intake. However, no significant difference between treatments or types of pigs was observed in trial 2. Such a result would be in agreement with non limiting nutrient supplies with treatment BAS as expected from simulations made in trial 1. Similar performances for both treatments were also obtained through the modelling approach. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V 41, P. 101-108Effect of digestible phosphorus on the animal performance of finisher pigsAnimal performance testing is designed to guide recommendations on the digestible phosphorus needs of growing-finishing pigs. A decrease in dietary digestible P was identified as responsible for the lack of effect on animal performance of two of the three feedstuff treatments compared. Under one of the three treatments, pig growth rate slowed during the growing stage but not during finishing. Carcass characteristics remained unaffected by the experimental treatments. The results highlighted that decreasing digestible P levels from 2.40 to 2.15 g/kg during growing and 1.95 to 1.80 g/kg during finishing tended have only a weak impact on animal performance. Given the importance of P in bone mineralization, the high proportion of pigs presenting body set problems under one of the dietary regimens highlights potentials issues inherent to the results achieved. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 1, JANVIER-FEVRIER, P. 21-25Nutritional values of glycerol for pork. Current status of available knowledgeThe development of biofuel production may bring about an increase in the quantities of glycerol available for animal feed. This raw material, if it proves of interest economically, can be readily incorporated into pig feed. The overall effects of glycerol on zootechnical performance and pig carcase characteristics are partly conflicting. Its level of incorporation must be limited to 5%, because a pig’s metabolic capacity for glycerol utilisation is probably lowered above this level. There are additional technological difficulties linked to the lumping of flours in the presence of glycerol. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 2, P. 9-14A herd modelling approach to determine the economically and environmentally most interesting dietary amino acid level during the fattening periodInraPorc is a model and software tool designed to evaluate the response of pigs to different nutritional strategies. In this study we simulated herd performance using InraPorc to evaluate different feeding strategies in terms of economic performance and environmental impact. A population of 1000 virtual pigs was generated having the same variance-covariance structure of feed intake and growth parameters as those observed in a real population of pigs. Performance of these pigs was simulated using different feeding strategies varying in digestible lysine to net energy (NE) ratio in the diet (85 to 115% of the mean requirement of the population) and number of diets used (i.e., a single phase strategy, a two phases strategy (diet change at 112 days of age) or a continuous multiphase strategy where the lysine/NE ratio was changed daily according to requirement. Diets were formulated on a least-cost basis using two scenarios of feed prices with either ingredient prices of September 2007 (P1) or March 2009 (P2). Simulations ended at a mean population body weight of 112 kg. Carcass payment was calculated according to French payment grid for lean meat content of carcass (March 2009). Average daily gain (ADG) and mean lean meat content increased while feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) and duration of growth decreased with increasing lysine content according to a curvilinear-plateau relationship. Maximum performance (ADG = 897 g/d; F:G = 2.65) was attained for a supply of 105 to 115% of the mean population requirement for lysine/NE. Increasing the lysine/NE ratio was associated with a reduction in total feed cost (due to the shorter duration of growth) for the P1 scenario independently of the number of diets used. For the P2 scenario, this reduction occurred only for the continuous multiphase strategy. In the P1 scenario, economical return (carcass payment minus feed cost) increased with increasing lysine/NE ratio and was maximal with a two phases strategy and a lysine/NE ratio corresponding to 110% of the mean population requirement. In P2 scenario, economical return increased with lysine/NE ratio for the two phases and continuous multiphase strategies and reached a maximum with a supply of 105 and 115% of the mean population requirement, respectively. When using a lysine/NE ratio greater than the mean population requirement, multiphase feeding strategies reduced nitrogen excretion by 6 to 15% compared to single phase strategy, as a result of increasing efficacy for protein deposition, shorter duration of growth and reduced total feed intake. Relation between economical return and nitrogen excretion depends of the feeding strategy. Using multiphase strategies allows optimizing economical return while reducing nitrogen excretion. Apart from the interest of modeling the herd (and to include the variation between animals), stochastic simulation modeling can be helpful in multiple criteria evaluation of feeding practices. 7TH WORKSHOP « MODELLING NUTRIENT DIGESTION AND UTILIZATION IN FARM ANIMALS ». AGROPARISTECH PARIS, 2009, SESSION 5 : EXTRAPOLATING FROM THE ANIMAL TO THE HERD, P. 60Effect of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) type and incorporation rate on post-weaning and fattening performance of pigsTwo experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) type and incorporation rate in phase 2, growing and finishing diets on pig performances. In a post-weaning experiment, 360 castrated male and female pigs weaned at 28 d of age (BW = 8.0 ± 1.3 kg) were allocated to one of five dietary treatments. Piglets were housed at 15 per pen (five mixed-sex pens per treatment except for control which consisted of 4 pens). After a standard phase 1 diet, each group was given ad libitum a phase 2 diet including a white-flowered and low in tannins faba bean (cv. Victoria) at a 10 or 20% incorporation rate (B10, B20), or a coloured-flowers, rich in tannins type (cv. Marcel) at the same rates (C10, C20), or a control diet without faba-bean (Control). All diets were iso-energetic and contained the same levels of amino acids. From weaning to day 42 after weaning, piglets had similar DFI (mean: 825 g/d), ADG (542 g/d), and FCR (1.52 kg/kg). In a fattening experiment, 150 pigs (32.2 ± 1.2 kg) were grouped into 6 blocks of 5 single-sex pens each, with 5 pigs per pen, and pens were assigned to 1 of the 5 dietary treatments within each block. Higher rates (20 and 35%) of the same faba beans were tested in the growing and finishing diets (Control, B20, B35, C20, C35). During the growing phase (32 to 59 kg), diets had equivalent DFI (mean: 1.99 g/d), ADG (929 g/d) and FCR (2.14 kg/kg). For the finishing phase (59 to 114 kg), an interaction (p = 0.03) between the diet and sex effects on DFI occurred. This interaction resulted from B35 females eating less than B20 females (2.72 vs. 2.96 kg/d; P = 0.03). Meanwhile, barrows had no difference associated with dietary treatment (mean: 2.96 kg/d; P > 0.10). When averaging DFI, there was a main effect of sex (males: 2.96 kg/d; females: 2.86 kg/d; p < 0.01). Nonetheless, no diet, sex or interaction effect were found significant on ADG (mean: 971 g/d) and FCR (3.01 kg/kg). With these results, it can be concluded that in amino-acids balanced diets, the two types of faba beans can be used at respectively 20% and 35% inclusion levels in phase 2 and fattening feeds. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 77-84Incidence of fermentable fibre on piglet performances and health during post-weaningThe dietary fibre after weaning could be able to constitute an alternative to the use of antibiotic growth promoters. This experiment carried out at INRA and IFIP, aimed to evaluate the effects of fermentable fibre on piglet performance and health during post-weaning. Sugar beet pulp and soybean hulls were introduced into fibre (F) diets. Diet F and a control one (T) were compared during the 1st age period. For the 2nd age period, taking into account the diet received in 1st period by piglets, four combinations were considered for feed treatments: TT, TF, FT and FF. Specific effects of fibre according to husbandry conditions were also evaluated on piglet performance and health status using optimal or unsanitary husbandry conditions. Unsanitary conditions led to poorer piglet performance and health status, predominantly during the 1st age period. The reduced daily gain appeared to be due to the decrease of feed intake at IFIP, while it was hypothesized at INRA that a lower digestion and/or absorption of nutrients occurred. During the 2nd age period, performances were similar indicating that the previous period led sufficient time to adapt to a poorer environment. The effects of fibre did not depend on husbandry conditions. Whatever they were, fibre improved daily gain during the 1st age period, while during the 2nd age period, daily gain and feed efficiency were decreased by fibre; fibre also increased transiently diarrhoea frequency. No effect of fibre on plasma haptoglobin levels was detected. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 85-92Effects of diet complexity on weaning pigs' growth performancePoster. The effects of diet complexity were assessed using 180 piglets weaned at 21 days old. A complex diet composed of 4 cereals (wheat, corn, barley and broken rice) and 3 protein raw materials (soybean meal, soy protein concentrate and extruded soybeans) was compared to a simple diet only composed of wheat and soybean meal. This test was conducted over the 6-25 kg bodyweight range (6 weeks). On the first half of the trial, 15% of whey powder was included in both the simple and complex diets. Complex diets improved average daily gain (8%) and feed intake (12%) during the first 3 weeks after weaning. In the last 3 weeks, complex diets induced a grower average daily gain (3%) due to an increase of feed intake (3%). Feed efficiency was not statistically affected by the diet characteristics, whatever the period. Anorexia is usual during the few days following weaning. Piglets have to face to several stress, one is to adapt to a new type of feed. Diet complexity may represent a way to improve feed intake and thus reduce the negative impact of weaning on piglets’ performance. Due to the lack of response on feed efficiency, the interest is limited to the first 2 or 3 weeks after weaning. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, VOL. 41, P. 133-134Effects of riboflavin on growth performance of fattening pigsPoster. The trial was conducted in order to evaluate if the dietary riboflavin recommendation (3 mg of riboflavin added per kg feed) for pigs over the 25-115 kg bodyweight range, needs to be increased. Four treatments with 3, 6, 9 or 18 mg riboflavin added per kg feed were compared on 160 pigs (27.5 to 115 kg BW). Pigs (castrated males and females) were distributed among 32 pens (8/treatments). All other vitamins were supplemented at 100% or more, of INRA requirements (1984). The analysed riboflavin content provided from raw materials (wheat, barley and soybean meal) was 1.6 mg per kg feed. Supplemental riboflavin had no effect on average daily gain and feed efficiency. There was just a significant negative impact of 18 mg dietary riboflavin compared to 6 on feed intake during the growing period (25-60 kg BW). No effect of dietary riboflavin was noticed on carcass yield, loin and backfat thickness. Meat pH was also not affected by dietary treatments. It was concluded that 4.6 mg per kg feed of riboflavin is enough to meet fattening pig’s requirement. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 139-140Comparison of five commercial dietary feed supplements administrated orally to newborn piglets in rearing conditionsPoster. In some piggeries, nutritional supplements are administrated orally to piglets, mainly the smallest ones, in order to prevent from an eventual energy deficiency after birth. The purpose of this trial was to compare the short term effect of five commercial nutritional supplements (thereafter so-called A, B, C, D and E) on newborn piglets’ survival rate and body weight gain. Four to five litters per treatment were studied. Piglets were fed an oral dose of the allocated supplement within the 5-10 minutes after birth according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A second dose was given to the whole litter after farrowing was completed. Piglets were identified and individually weighted at birth and 24 hours later. Piglets were categorised in one of the three birthweight classes (Light, Medium, Heavy) depending on their individual birthweight relatively to the average birthweight of their littermates. No significant difference in weight gain was observed between the five treatments on Heavy piglets. In contrast, in Light ones, weight gain was significantly different with supplement C compared to the other four treatments. Survival rate of Light piglets at 24 h tended to be improved with supplement A and B (80%) when compared to D and E (60%) and C (<40%). According to this trial, one of the five commercial supplements studied provided significantly lower results. Additional data collected on a longer period would probably be required in order to discriminate between the four other supplements. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 143-146Influence of the dietary amino acid level over the first week of lactation on sow's milk production and body reserve mobilisation during a four-weeks lactation periodPoster. Two levels of amino acid supply were compared during the first week of lactation on 84 crossbred Large White x Landrace sows (42 per treatment). Digestible lysine (LYSd) content was either 8.3 (treatment TEMOIN) or 10.0 g/kg (treatment HAUT) until the 8th post-farrowing day (D8) and was fixed to 8.5 g/kg thereafter. Metabolisable energy content was 13.1 MJ/kg for all diets (9.8 MJ/kg net energy). Supplies of other amino acids, relatively to lysine, were in agreement with the ideal protein ratios. Litter size averaged 12.9 piglets between farrowing (D0) and D8. Litters’ average daily gain over 28 days was significantly higher with treatment HAUT (3.29 vs. 3.17 kg/d, P<0.05) but the difference was not significant before D8. Body weight, backfat thickness, and muscle thickness losses were similar for both treatments over the first (-13 kg, -1 mm, -2 mm, respectively) or the four weeks (-30 kg, -5 mm, -7 mm, respectively) of lactation. The energy and LYSd balances were calculated as the difference between assessed requirements for milk production and maintenance and the amounts of nutrient intake. Lysine intake was much below requirement during the 1st week with treatment TEMOIN (-5 vs. –1 g/d with treatment HAUT) but above requirements thereafter for both treatments. Energy deficiency was very important during the 1st week (-37 MJ ME/d) for both treatments and averaged –11 MJ ME/d over the whole lactation period. Subsequently, it was concluded that the reduction of the amino acid deficiency during the 1st week of lactation was not efficient in order to spare body protein. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, V. 41, P. 149-152Effects of fish meal on weaning pigs' growth performancePoster. This trial was conducted to evaluate fish meal as a raw material in starter diets for 540, 4 weeks old weaned pigs (7.8 kg initial weight). Diets were formulated by substituting levels of 3, 6 and 9 % fish meal (70 % CP) for soybean meal, synthetic amino acids, soybean oil, limestone and phosphate. These diets were compared to a control diet during the 8-12 kg bodyweight range. All diets contained 15 % of dried whey and no other protein sources than soybean meal and synthetic amino acids. The pen was considered as the experimental unit. 9 experimental units per treatment (15 pigs per pen) received each diet ad libitum until 42 days of age. Addition of fish meal did not affect feed intake, average daily gain and efficiency of feed utilisation (P>0.10). These piglets were then used to compare the addition of 4 % fish meal (65 % CP) during the 12-30 kg bodyweight range. Each pen was attributed to one of the two experimental diets, taking into account the previous diet received. The diets were distributed ad libitum until 63 days of age. As it was observed before 12 kg bodyweight, no improvement of fish meal addition was obtained (P>0.10). JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 129-130A herd modelling approach to define feeding strategies combining economic performance and environmental concern in fattening pigsPoster. We simulated herd performance using InraPorc model to evaluate different feeding strategies in terms of economic performance and environmental impact. A population of 1000 virtual pigs was generated from data from a real population of pigs. Performance were simulated using different feeding strategies varying in digestible lysine to NE ratio in diets (85 to 115% of the mean population requirement) and number of diets used (i.e., a two-phase strategy or a continuous multiphase strategy where the lysine/NE ratio was changed daily according to the requirement). Diets were formulated on a least-cost basis using feed prices of September 2007 (P1) or March 2009 (P2). Average daily gain increased while feed-to-gain ratio and duration of growth decreased with increasing lysine content. Maximum performance was achieved for a supply of 105 to 115% of the mean population requirement for lysine/NE. Increasing the lysine/NE ratio up to 105 or 110% of the mean requirement was associated with a reduction in total feed cost and an increase in economical return (carcass payment minus feed cost). When using a lysine/NE ratio greater than the mean population requirement, nitrogen excretion was reduced with the multiphase feeding strategy compared to the two-phase strategy. Excretion and feed cost were lower and the economical return was higher in P2 scenario. Relation between economical return and nitrogen excretion depends on the feeding strategy and the feed price context. Using multiphase strategies with amino acids supply higher than the mean requirement of the population allows optimizing economical return while reducing nitrogen excretion. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 131-132Effect of the incorporation of 1.4% lipids from palm oil or extruded linseed in gestation and lactation diets on farrowing progress and piglets' survival before weaningPoster. Six batches of 24 crossbred LWxLD sows were used to quantify the effects of the inclusion of 1.4% lipids from palm oil, rich in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (FA), or extruded linseed, rich in polyunsaturated FA, especially C18:3 n-3. Within each batch, sows were allocated to one of the three experimental treatments: TEM, diets without oil or linseed; PAL, inclusion of 1.4% palm oil; LIN, inclusion of 3.5% extruded linseed. Dietary net energy contents were 9.3 and 9.6 MJ/kg during gestation and lactation, respectively. Body weight and back fat thickness throughout the trial, prolificacy and weaning to oestrus interval were not significantly influenced by the treatment. In litters of 12 or more total born piglets, the farrowing progress was significantly more rapid in the LIN than in the TEM and PAL groups. In litters of 16 or more total born piglets, farrowing progress of the PAL sows was intermediate between the LIN and the TEM groups. Survival rate of piglets weighing 1.0-1.2 kg was significantly greater in the LIN than in the PAL and TEM groups. Survival rate of piglets weighing 1.2-1.4 kg tended to be greater in the LIN and PAL than in the TEM group. In the present trial, energy provided by extruded linseed seemed to be more efficient than palm oil, for piglets' survival. The effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on reproductive hormones synthesis could at least partly explain these differences. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 137-138Effect of extruded linseed incorporation in sows and/or pigs' diets on growth performance and carcass qualityPoster. Three batches of growing fattening crossbred (Large White x Landrace) x (Piétrain x Large White) gilts and barrows were used to study the growth performance and carcass quality when extruded linseed was incorporated in sows and/or pigs diets at the following rates : 0/0 (treatment TTEM), 0/2% (treatment TLIN) or 3.5/2% (treatment LLIN). Within each physiological stage, diets were formulated on the same net energy and digestible amino acid bases. During the fattening period, pigs were fed ad libitum. Neither average daily gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, muscle content, water losses, pH1 nor meat colour were significantly influenced by the dietary treatment. Extruded linseed is most often used in pigs' diets in order to improve the nutritional value of pork, especially through a decreased ratio between w6 and w3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. According to the present study, carried out under optimal fattening conditions, extra cost induced by this strategy would not be balanced by the positive effects observed only for average daily gain during the growing period and pH24. More investigations have to be carried out in poorer sanitary conditions. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 143-144 |
BreedingInfluence of pig rearing system on animal performance and manure compositionA total of 200 crossbred pigs (castrated males and females) were used in five replicates to evaluate the influence of rearing conditions for fattening pigs on growth performance, manure production and gaseous emissions. Approximately at 36 kg body weight (BW), littermates were allocated to either a conventional (fully slatted floor, 0.65m2/pig, considered as control, CON) or an alternative (sawdust bedding, 1.3m2/pig, with free access to an outdoor area 1.1m2/pig, OUT) system, until slaughter at approximately 115 kg BW. Pigs had free access to standard growing and finishing diets. Manure was stored as slurry below the slatted floor in the CON system and as litter, for the inside area, or slurry and liquid, for the outside area, in the OUT system. The amount and composition of manure were determined at the end of each replicate. Ammonia emission from the rooms was measured continuously. Dust and odour concentrations were measured in replicates 1 and 2, and CH4, N2O and CO2 emissions were measured in replicate 3. Compared with the CON, the OUT pigs exhibited a faster growth rate (18%, P,0.001) due to their greater feed intake (10.21 kg/day, P,0.01), resulting in a heavier BW (17.3 kg, P,0.001) and a lower lean meat content (21.6% points, P,0.001) at slaughter. The total amount of manure produced per pig was similar in both systems (380 kg/pig), but because of the contribution of sawdust, dry matter (DM) content was higher ( P,0.001) and concentrations in N, P, K, Cu and Zn in DM were lower ( P,0.001) in manure from the OUT than from the CON system. In the OUT system, most of the manure DM (70%) was collected indoor, corresponding mostly to the contribution of the sawdust, and most of the manure water (70%) was collected outdoor. Pigs excreted indoor about 60% and 40% of urine and faeces, respectively. Ammonia emission from the room was lower for the OUT system, whereas total NH3 emissions, including the outdoor area, tended to be higher (12.0 and 14.1 g/day N-NH3 per pig for CON and OUT, respectively). Nitrous oxide emission was higher (1.6 and 4.6 g/day N-N2O per pig for CON and OUT, respectively) and methane emission was lower (12.1 and 5.9 g/day per pig for CON and OUT, respectively), for the OUT compared with the CON system. ANIMAL (GBR), 2009, V. 3, N° 4, P. 606-616Farming conditions and practices linked to Salmonella prevalence in slaughter pigsThis study aimed at identifying farming conditions and practices linked to salmonella prevalence in slaughter pigs, both in 208 breeder-finisher and in 109 only-finisher herds. Salmonella serological status was determined in each farm on 42 meat juice samples from three slaughter batches. Analysis was performed using the IDEXX kit. Data considered as possible risk factors for salmonella prevalence were collected at the farm level, using a specific questionnaire. Statistical analysis relies on logistic regression models defined for both types of pig farms. Global models were designed, using all the available data. To maximise the number of useable individual farm results (due to missing data), focused models concerning either feeding conditions, health or bio-safety, were also performed. In breeder-finisher herds, farming conditions which appeared to be related to salmonella prevalence were mainly pig health farm status (i.e. clinical events in quarantine, PRRS or PMWS clinical signs at the post-weaning stage) and veterinary treatments (e.g. antiparasite protocol in quarantine, antibiotics on farrowing sows, health protocols at the post-weaning stage, number of antibiotics treatments during the fattening phase). Liquid feeding for pregnant sows and fattening pigs was assumed to have a preventive effect and proper to reduce salmonella prevalence, as well as drinking pipes in post-weaning. Good practices regarding both pig pre-loading and loading conditions and adapted cleaning and disinfection protocols were also positive factors. In only fattening farms, only two farming conditions were identified: the number of breeding units supplying piglets and the number of antibiotics treatments during the fattening stage. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 35-42Is there a relationship between sows' characteristics and neonatal diarrhoea occurrence? Proposed answers from measurements performed in commercial unitsIn some area, almost 20% of the farms are concerned with enzootic neonatal diarrhoea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of some zootechnical parameters on piglets’ diarrhoea, especially in connection with some characteristics of the colostrum. In nine commercial units, measurements concerned sows’ backfat thickness, chronoparts (individual time at birth of littermates), piglets’ weight at birth and at 24 h of age (in order to estimate colostrum production). From a sub-sample of sows, IgG assay were also performed in colostrum and plasma samples from 4 piglets per litter at 48 h. Statistical analyses were performed to compare control litters (no diarrhoea) in non affected herds (5 herds), control litters in affected herds (4 herds) and affected litters. According to odds ratio, litters farrowed by young sows (parities 1 and 2) presented more risk to develop piglets’ diarrhoea. Parturition duration was longer in young sows in affected farms than in unaffected ones. Their proportion of born lately piglets was higher and associated with a more heterogeneous sera IgG. In affected farms, no significant difference wasobserved regarding colostrum immune quality between sows with neonatal diarrhoea versus control litters. Colostrum yield (in excess) appears to be another risk factor, introducing a new hypothesis on nutritional origin for piglets’ diarrhoea. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 167-172Energy cost control in pig barn heating and ventilationThe scale of heat losses through pen walls makes it important not to cut corners on insulation and sealing quality. Ventilation-heating alone accounts for around 85% of total energy costs on a farrow-to-finish farm. Since air renewal rate dictates the building's energy needs for heating, the key factor lies with controlling airflows and minimum airflow rates. It is possible to make significant savings on heating by controlling aeration rates. It is important to optimize placement of the temperature control sensors regulating heating and aeration. Heating systems will give optimal performance if the heating appliances are placed intelligently in the airflow. Energy diagnostics appear necessary in order to pinpoint any areas where energy is being wasted. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 1, JANVIER-FEVRIER, P. 9-12Managing highly prolific sowsHyperprolific sows are the main characteristic of French swine breeding herds and have been/are always the object of research and reflection, as well as the object of criticism and controversy (these extreme and opposing positions are voiced even within one country such as France). That the debate is controversial forces us to question ourselves. One way to refrain from doing so would be to reject the question of hyperprolificacy, claiming that it is not part of one's culture and practices. In the face of such criticisms, the best we can do is to attempt to analyze them. In other words, we do not wish to take a stance in the controversy itself; we do not present ourself as the defender of hyperprolificacy. Instead, in this presentation, we wish to look at the terms of the debate and question them. This is what we see: in France and in Denmark, hyperprolificacy is an issue that must be managed on a daily basis. And this issue will spread to all the pig producing countries. Management of hyperprolific sows is specific. To summarize, we can say that, for each individual management measure, there are always two opposite aspects, like in the “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. We have the expected ‘good’ one (Dr. Jekyll) but also the ‘bad’ unexpected ‘side effects’ (Mr. Hyde). French producers had to learn ‘hyperprolific sows’ and … they learned. LONDON SWINE CONFERENCE - TOOLS OF THE TRADE, 2009, LONDON, ONTARIO, CANADA - P. 3-19Dietary intake during early pregnancy does not influence embryonic survival and variability in giltsPoster. A high level of feeding during early pregnancy has been associated with a reduction in embryonic survival in some studies, which may result in reduced litter size in moderately prolific sows. In highly prolific sows, embryonic survival is generally not a limiting factor for litter size. Furthermore, high embryonic survival reported in hyperprolific sows results in uterine crowding and an increased risk of intrauterine growth retardation. Moreover, a good embryonic survival rate has been associated with greater variability in embryo development. In hyperprolific sows, thus, a reduced embryo survival in the preimplantation period could have beneficial effects on litter characteristics at birth through an early reduction in embryo heterogeneity and uterine crowding. Our objective was to determine if a high level of feeding during early pregnancy influences embryo survival and weight in prolific gilts. Thirty Large White gilts were artificially inseminated twice at 227 ± 1days of age and 133 ± 2 kg live weight. During the 7 days after the first AI, they received 4 or 2 kg daily of a gestation diet (groups High and Control, respectively, n = 15/group). Before and after this period, all gilts received 2 kg of a gestation diet. Gilts were slaughtered at 27.0 ± 0.1 days of pregnancy. The genital tract was collected and living, dead and resorbed embryos were recorded. Embryos were considered dead when allantoic and amniotic fluids were dark and not limpid. Resorptions were characterized by the absence of both embryo and fluid. Each living embryo was weighed and measured. For each gilt, calculated criteria were embryo survival (number of living embryos at slaughter/number of corpora lutea); “post-implantation” embryo survival (number of living embryos at slaughter/total number of embryos); within-litter mean embryo weight and length, and coefficients of variation; and in utero density (number of living embryos per meter of uterine horn). Variance analyses were performed using dietary treatment, replicate and the interaction as main factors. Correlations between criteria were calculated. The level of significance was P < 0.05. At slaughter, twenty-eight gilts were pregnant (15 and 13 in groups High and Control, respectively). Ovulation rate averaged 21.0 ± 0.5 and ranged from 14 to 27. None of the criteria was significantly influenced by the level of feeding during the first week of pregnancy. The number of living embryos averaged 17.5 ± 0.6 (10-25), embryo survival 85.4% (55-100%) and post-implantation embryo survival 96.7% (77-100%). Given the great number of ovulations for such young gilts, embryo survival was good, which is consistent with previous findings in highly prolific sows. Across treatments, embryonic survival was not correlated with ovulation rate or uterine length. Within-litter variability in embryo weight averaged 10%, with 6 to 18% extreme values. Embryo heterogeneity was not correlated with ovulation rate, number of total or living embryos or embryo density. Similar results were obtained for embryo length and its variation. As a conclusion, for prolific gilts, a high level of feeding during early pregnancy did not reduce embryo survival and had no beneficial nor detrimental effects on embryo size and variability at 27 days of gestation. 8TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PIG REPRODUCTION, 2009, BANFF, ALBERTA, CANADA, P. 129Ultrasonographic counting of swine embryosPoster. Detection of large litters and the progression of normal gestation may improve economic efficiency in pig farms. This implies early detection of the number of viable fetuses. Despite great technical improvement in echography, literature on this topic is scarce, with no practical conclusions. The objective of the present study was to assess the accuracy of in vivo embryo counting using 2 different devices at 2 different stages of pregnancy. 8TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PIG REPRODUCTION (ICPR), 2009, BANFF, ALBERTA, CANADAReproduction results and economic performance in sow herds of constrasting prolificacy levelsThe development of hyperprolific sows has been associated with a dramatic increase in perinatal mortality. The objective of the present study was to re-evaluate possible other side effects of high prolificacy on reproduction, subsequent weaning-to-sale performance and global economic results in French pig farms. 8TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PIG REPRODUCTION (ICPR), 2009, BANFF, ALBERTA, CANADAHyperprolific sow, physiological or pathological ?Due to efficient selection and good farm management, modern prolific sows now frequently wean more than 30 piglets per year. However, the need for skilled management also increases, to compensate for specific side effects of hyperprolificacy. Excessive perinatal mortality, low and heterogeneous birth weights are the most evident problems. Although there is no dramatic decrease of fertility as seen in cow herds, modern sows still suffer from various reproduction troubles. Selection for large litters resulted in increased lactation requirements, while on the other side, selection for lean carcasses limits the appetite. Hyperprolific lactating sows are therefore at higher risks of negative energy balances. In conjunction with possible lactation perturbations, this may delay weaning to oestrus intervals and decrease fertility. Shortened pregnancies and long farrowing durations are often associated with large litters and may exacerbate neonatal mortality and postpartum troubles. Possible detrimental effect of prolificacy on longevity is controversial but of great practical interest. There a only few and time consuming management solutions to alleviate side effects of prolificacy. Therefore, there is a great demand on re-orientation of selection objectives with new components of maternal ability The present workshop will review and discuss reproduction troubles in modern hyperprolific sow (neonatal mortality, anestrus, infertility, premature farrowing, health disorders, poor longevity….). Special emphasis will be put on risks factors associated with large litters, in interaction with management and health constraints (group housing, reduction of treatments …). The need for specific management stategies will be discussed. After a review of the drawbacks of selecting for littersize, possible improvement of sow reproduction traits through genetic approach will be discussed. We will debate whether we can select for higher fetal homogeneity, and better neonatal survival, without depreciating fertility and other sow reproduction traits. 13TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR DOMESTIC ANIMAL REPRODUCTION (ESDAR), 2009, GENT, BELGIQUE / REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS (SPECIAL ISSUE) WORKSHOPS ABSTRACTS, V. 44, N° 3, P. 61-74Influence of floor type during fattening on pig cleanliness and microbiological contamination of pigs and carcassesThe aim of the study was to assess the impact of cleanliness on microbiological contamination of pigs and corresponding pork carcasses. Pig cleanliness was assessed at farm and slaughterhouse using a five-point scale on 4 anatomical areas: rear, back and both flanks. Microbiological sampling was conducted by swabbing 100 cm2 on 4 sites (ham, loin, brisket, shoulder), on pigs and corresponding carcasses. On each sample, aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMC) and enterobacteriaceae (ENC) were enumerated, and presence of Salmonella detected. At the farm pigs are dirtier, with 40% of their surfaces scored as 0 or 1, but pigs can be considered clean. Pig cleanliness varies according to the floor type used during fattening. Bacterial contamination of pigs varies according to the cleanliness score: differences between dirty and clean pigs in AMC and ENC, are respectively 0.8 and 1.4 log10/400 cm2. Whereas cleanliness varies according to floor type, and contamination is linked to cleanliness, the relationship between floor type and pig contamination is not proportional. At slaughterhouse, due to the water spraying during lairage, pigs are very clean: 94% of their anatomical areas are scored as less or equal to 1, the rear of the pigs being dirtier than the back or the flanks. Bacterial contamination is reduced by the process: AMC and ENC are respectively 0.7 and 1.7 log10 lower on average on pork carcasses than the live pigs. No link between the bacterial contamination of carcasses and visual cleanliness of the pigs or their initial contamination could be established. The overall prevalence Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella on the skin of pigs at the farm is very low (respectively 8% and 1%). Due to process, the prevalence of salmonella decreases during slaughter from 13% at bleeding to 7% before chilling; prevalence could not be linked to pig cleanliness nor contamination. 8TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF FOODBORNE PATHOGENS IN PORK - SAFE PORK 2009, QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC, CANADABest hygiene practices on pig farms: Feedback on the food chain, transportability, and salmonella action plansRecent European rules regarding food safety and animal welfare during transport involve new responsibilities for the different sectors of the pork industry and in particular for the farmers. Thus, Hygiene Package advises to use a Good Hygiene Practice Guide in each farm in order to prevent hazards transferable in meat. Moreover, farmers will have to convey to the slaughterhouse and to the Veterinary Services some pertinent information regarding food safety (Food Chain Information) and animal welfare in transport. Concerned animals will be clearly identified and their pre-slaughter and post-slaughter veterinary checks will be adapted. The official application of this policy is planned for January 2010, after the publication of the Ministerial order. Besides, concerning the control of Salmonella in the pork industry, no European decision is yet made, but the most common vision consists in applying good hygiene practices as described in the Guides respectively proposed to the farmers and the slaughter and meat cutting industry. Other propositions will have to be made in the different parts of the pig chain industry, in order to reach the target of prevalence probably specified by the European Commission. So, it clearly appears that all these questions are closely linked. IFIP has participated, with the professional organizations and the representatives of each sector, to define shared systems, in order to help the farmers to apply these recent European rules as easily and efficiently as possible. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 6, P. 15-22Does hormonal farrowing induction affect the colostrum production of sows ?The effect of farrowing induction at 113 days of gestation, on colostrum production, is studied on 47 Landrace × Large White sows, using prostaglandin F2 a analogue (alfaprostol), in two experiments. They include 27 sows (experiment 1), and 20 sows equipped with a jugular catheter (experiment 2). In experiment 2, blood and colostrum sampling is performed at repeated intervals to study hormonal and colostrum composition changes. Colostrum production is calculated from the beginning of parturition (T0) until 24 h later by summing up piglets’ intakes which are estimated from their weight gain. Average gestation length (113.9 days) did not differ between spontaneous or induced farrowings. Farrowing induction does not impact on 24 h colostrum production (P > 0.1 ; Exp. 1 and 2). Little effect is seen on colostrum composition, with a higher lactose content associated with induction (P = 0.02), but no impairment of immunoglobin G content (P > 0.1). A transient peak of prolactin is seen 1 h after alfaprostol injection (P < 0.01) in the treated group, but hormonal profiles (progesterone, oestradiol and prolactin) are similar in the two groups of sows during the peripartum period. In our experimental conditions, i.e. with average spontaneous gestation length of 114 days, farrowing induction can be performed at 113 days in modern prolific sows, without detrimental effect on colostrum production and immunoglobulin G content. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 15-20Screening of Salmonella antibody in pigs: Comparison of the results obtained on serum and meat juice, and influence of freezing duration of meat juiceThe results obtained with the IDEXX HerdCheck Swine Salmonella antibody test kit were compared using different sampling methods. Ninety fattening pigs, individually identified and stemming from 3 different farms with high Salmonella prevalence, were sampled for blood and diaphragm muscle on the slaughtering chain, and for sterno-mastoid muscle taken both on the slaughtering chain, and after first cooling. The analyses were done on fresh serum and on meat juice collected from the muscles and after 1, 6 and 12 months of freezing. The optical density values obtained with the serum were significantly higher than those obtained with the different meat juice. With the positive cut-off values of 10 and 20% of optical density, the percentages of positive pigs on serum were also significantly higher than those determined from meat juice. However, with positive cut-off values of 30 to 40%, the results for the serum and meat juices were not different. The length of freezing time of the meat juice did not influence the values of optical densities obtained. The best sensitivities and specificities, with the serum as reference, were obtained with the sterno-mastoid muscle sampled at the end of the slaughter chain and analysed after 1 month of freezing. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 209-214Analysis of physio-metabolic parameters in relation with long or complicated farrowings in the sowLong farrowing durations have negative impact on perinatal mortality and subsequent piglet survival. The aim of this work was to monitor the evolution of different physio-metabolic parameters before and during parturition in order to clarify the mechanisms involved in complicated farrowings. The experiment wass performed in 4 LWxLR herds and involved 28 spontaneous farrowings (no injections nor assistance) on young nulliparous and primiparous sows. Sows were equipped with a jugular catheter and repeated blood sampling were performed before (once a day before 1st meal, on day-3 to day 0) and during farrowing (once/hour). The following parameters were analysed: oestradiol, progesterone, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total proteins, glucose, non esterified fatty acids, bicarbonate, lactate, creatine kinase, calcium and magnesium. According to farrowing kinetics and occurrence of stillborns, sows were allocated to two groups of normal (N=14) vs complicated (N=14) parturitions. Farrowing duration (172 vs 297 min) and the rate of piglets born within 3 hours (93 vs 69 %) were different in the two groups. Differences between groups were seen for calcium, magnesium, creatine kinase, total proteins and progesterone. Significant correlations were found between parturition duration and some parameters measured before farrowing or at the birth of the first piglet (calcium, magnesium, total protein, progesterone, oestradiol). These results suggest possible differences in uterine functioning, determined in late pregnancy. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 233-240Biosafety and hygiene practices on pig farms: Survey resultsThe aim of this paper is to report on the keynote results of a "farm hygiene diagnostic" survey led across 135 pig farms. The work orientations surfaced are focused on non-regulatory measures, and should therefore be considered as potential directions for progress which, although important, remain optional. This study was able to highlight that the pig farms surveyed are already applying many biosafety and hygiene measures that actually go beyond the regulatory requirements. Pig farm managers generally prove to be well aware of the technical and economic importance of these all-round practices. However, the study also pinpointed areas for improvement on the following practices: Double-checking the bacteriological quality of animal drinking water, handling dead animal carcasses, and hygiene in and around the pig loading bay and lead-up raceway. Each farm manager was educated on their farm's potential improvement points, and individual follow-up visits have been earmarked to assess the practices deployed. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 1, P. 7-13Impact of drinking water acidification during finishing on the on-farm prevalence of SalmonellaThis study was designed to assess the impact of incorporating Bicidal into drinking water during finishing on salmonella prevalence at pig farms with a high serum prevalence of salmonella antibodies. Bicidal is an organic acid (formic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid) and bioflavonoid-based acidifier. Incorporating 1 litre of Bicidal per 1000 litres of drinking water throughout the finishing period led to a decrease in salmonella prevalence during the treatment in all three farms tested. However, the fact that in two of the three farms, the drop in salmonella prevalence was maintained after treatment discontinuation makes it difficult to conclude on whether there was a treatment effect or another effect not measured in this study. We can nevertheless hypothesize that there was a sustained post-treatment decrease in infection pressure. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 1, P. 25-26Water use and energy consumption in pig slaughtering-processing plants: Characterization of practices employed in 8 stationsIn 2009, the IFIP led a series of surveys and measurement campaigns in 8 different pig slaughtering and processing plants. The aim was to inventory the tested solutions that industry producers can implement for cutting their business-related water and energy (gas and electricity) bills. This research identified benchmarks and validated the best water and energy recovery and cutdown measures available. The study, based on comparative analysis of water and energy needs at slaughtering-processing plants, revealed that for a 90-kg carcass weight porker, water consumption averaged 355 litres, with LHV gas consumption at 18.24 kWatts and electricity at 16.04 kWatts. The results suggest there is room for different businesses to achieve more or less significant water and energy savings. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 2, P. 7-152008 running review of zoonotic diseases across the EUThis paper keynotes the European Community zoonoses and zoonotic infectious agents report, giving special emphasis to the salmonella infections section. Although Salmonella Enteritidis and eggs and egg products still top the list in terms of cause of zoonosis cases in humans, they are on the decline. The result is that alongside a net decrease in the total number of human cases recorded, there is an increase in the relative share of cases caused by S. typhimurium and by meat products, including pork. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 2, P. 17-18Heterogeneity of piglets born from hyperprolific sowsSince 2002, a research program has been developed by IFIP, which aim were, on the first hand, to identify the factors that could explain birthweight variation within the litter and, on the second hand, to study the interest of modified feeding strategies on piglets’ survival before weaning. The present paper focuses on results obtained in the first part of this program. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 2, P. 19-26New application of imaging techniques in pig reproduction: from research to farm managementIn pig as in other species, ultrasonography is generally the preferred gold standard imaging technique, mainly because of its low cost and lack of side effects. It is now implemented in more than 80% of French pig farms. Although pregnancy diagnosis is still the most frequent use, various applications are found in reproduction studies: evaluation of ovarian, uterine or genital disorders, prediction of ovulation, puberty diagnosis, evaluation of bladder or mammary infections, evaluation of embryos and fetal welfare, in vivo measurement of back fat or muscle depth …. The interest of new technologies to be used in combination, such as Doppler, 3D-Ultrasonography or micro-bubble contrast agents, should deserve further investigation. Few among other imaging techniques; such as micro-endoscopy, infrared thermography, MRI and CT; have been already implemented in pig reproduction studies. Specific imaging techniques, including CASA (Computer Sperm Analysis of movement) and immuno-staining have been developed to study boar sperm integrity and functionality and to predict fertility. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARM ANIMAL IMAGING DAYS (FANI), 2010, SESSION 2, RENNES, FRANCE, P. 13Behavioural assessment of coping abilities in boars used in artificial insemination studs: Relationships with the responses to the first semen collection attemptPoster. The reasons for training failure in commercial boar studs and premature culling (20-30% among French AI boars) are not clearly understood. This study aims to assess the behavioural adaptation of boar to the environment and to the human approach at the entrance in the quarantine and the predictive link with the first efficient semen collection. The behaviour of sixty boars was recorded during the two first hours following the entrance in quarantine pens and during a human approach test performed the following day. Thereafter, behaviour was also recorded during the period where a dummy was daily presented to boars until the first efficient semen collection. High individual variation was observed in the delay of first ejaculation success (2,3 ± 2,0 days) , the duration of collection (553 ± 181 sec) and the behaviour around the dummy. Boars lying down during the two hours after arrival mounted the dummy and ejaculated more quickly than boars still standing upright at the end of the 2-hour recording period. In contrast, facility to obtain the first semen collection did not differ according to the responses to the human approach test (fearful, mistrustful or confident). Further investigations are needed to evaluate the predictive links between the longevity of AI boars and the behavioural responses to the events occurring during quarantine or semen collection training period. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 49-50Effect of acidifying fattening feed to reduce carriage of Salmonella in high prevalence pig herdsPoster. In five commercial herds with high level of infection with Salmonella spp., studies were carried out to investigate the effect of the incorporation of potassium diformate in the diet of fattening pigs on Salmonella prevalence at slaughter. For each trial, meat juice samples were collected at slaughter and were analyzed for Salmonella antibodies using the Idexx serological test before, during treatment (3 consecutive batches) and 5 and 7 months after treatment. Three patterns of Salmonella prevalence evolution emerged. In one herd, prevalence was reduced during treatment but increased after the end of treatment. In 2 herds, it also decreased during treatment and remained low thereafter. For the 2 other farms, the presence of Salmonella was not affected by the treatment. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 217-218Homogeneity of an oxytetracycline water medication, administered with a dosing pumpPoster. Oxytetracycline (OTC) is an antibiotic available for water medication in pig farms. This study aims to evaluate if its variable solubility can affect the homogeneity of the medicated solution, when administered with a dosing pump towards drinkers. Indeed, homogeneity is a key factor for drug efficiency. It is also required to respect the maximum residue limits of medicines in meat, and to prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance. A main condition to obtain an homogenous solution in drinkers is to avoid a concentration gradient of medicines in the stock solution tank. Thus, 3 types of tanks commonly used in farms were tested: one without stirrer, one with a propeller and one with a pump mixing the solution. The 3 tanks were filled with a well-dissolved OTC solution prepared with 55 liters of water mixed with a solvent and an OTC powder on lactose support. Samples were taken at the top, the middle and the bottom of the tanks 4 times during a 24 hour period. OTC concentration was assessed by a colorimetric analysis. Throughout the 24 hour period, the average concentrations of the OTC solution significantly decreased in each tank but this might result from the instability of the OTC color in the time. Indeed, at a given moment, no concentration gradient appeared in the tanks and the solution was quite homogeneous. In order to determine the homogeneity of the medicated solution at drinkers, 2 OTC solutions were prepared, i.e. with or without solvent, and transferred to a tank with a stirrer. Samples were taken at a drinker fixed on a watercourse, reproducing on-farm conditions. Results show that without any solvent, the OTC solution was not homogeneous, whereas adding a solvent led to an homogeneity level that met the quality requirements of an industrial medicated feed. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 253-254Factors associated with successful boar training in Al centrePoster. Quarantine and training for semen collection are key periods before admission of boars in AI studs. A retrospective analysis was carried out to identify animal and management factors possibly associated with successful boar training. Data were collected from 2003 to 2008 on 25 quarantine batches for a total of 224 boars from different genotypes. First semen samples were collected successfully at first training for 59% of the boars but some animals required up to 8 attempts. The effect of breed, herd of origin, age at arrival, year, season and delay between arrival and first training were tested. The link between successful training and boar career was also investigated. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, VOL. 41, P. 257-258 |
GeneticsThe adult boar testicular and epididymal transcriptomesBackground: Mammalians gamete production takes place in the testis but when they exit this organ, although spermatozoa have acquired a specialized and distinct morphology, they are immotile and infertile. It is only after their travel in the epididymis that sperm gain their motility and fertility. Epididymis is a crescent shaped organ adjacent to the testis that can be divided in three gross morphological regions, head (caput), body (corpus) and tail (cauda). It contains a long and unique convoluted tubule connected to the testis via the efferent ducts and finished by joining the vas deferens in its caudal part. Results: In this study, the testis, the efferent ducts (vas efferens, VE), nine distinct successive epididymal segments and the deferent duct (vas deferens, VD) of four adult boars of known fertility were isolated and their mRNA extracted. The gene expression of each of these samples was analyzed using a pig generic 9 K nylon microarray (AGENAE program; GEO accession number: GPL3729) spotted with 8931 clones derived from normalized cDNA banks from different pig tissues including testis and epididymis. Differentially expressed transcripts were obtained with moderated t-tests and F-tests and two data clustering algorithms based either on partitioning around medoid (top down PAM) or hierarchical clustering (bottom up HCL) were combined for class discovery and gene expression analysis. Tissue clustering defined seven transcriptomic units: testis, vas efferens and five epididymal transcriptomic units. Meanwhile transcripts formed only four clusters related to the tissues. We have then used a specific statistical method to sort out genes specifically over-expressed (markers) in testis, VE or in each of the five transcriptomic units of the epididymis (including VD). The specific regional expression of some of these genes was further validated by PCR and Q-PCR. We also searched for specific pathways and functions using available gene ontology information. Conclusion: This study described for the first time the complete transcriptomes of the testis, the epididymis, the vas efferens and the vas deferens on the same species. It described new genes or genes not yet reported over-expressed in these boar tissues, as well as new control mechanisms. It emphasizes and fulfilled the gap between studies done in rodents and human, and provides tools that will be useful for further studies on the biochemical processes responsible for the formation and maintain of the epididymal regionalization and the development of a fertile spermatozoa. BMC GENOMICS (GBR), 2009, V. 10, P. 369-399Implementation of a marker-assisted selection program in the Chinese-European Duochan pig populationA marker assisted selection (MAS) program has been set up since 2001 by the French pig breeding organisation ADN to select 25% Chinese Meishan (MS)/75% European (EU) crossbred boars used to produce parental sows. In a first step, the crossbred boars were produced using a discontinuous crossbreeding scheme. Then, they originated from a 25% Meishan composite line. Boars specifically selected to produce parental sows using the MAS program differed from those used within the composite line. Four quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting growth and carcass composition traits and located on SSC1, 2, 4 and 7 were considered. Boars were first selected for performance traits and then on marker-based information. The phenotype and genotype data obtained on candidate boars were analysed to a posteriori estimate the effects of the four regions considered. Results confirmed a significant effect of the SSC7 QTL on backfat thickness. The MAS program also allowed more homogeneous parental females to be produced, resulting in an increased proportion of gilts retained for breeding. MAS had no impact on the efficiency of withinline selection, as specific boars were used for crossbreeding. The interest of MAS within-line selection remains to be investigated. 60TH ANNUAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (EAAP), 2009, BARCELONA, SPAINEstimation of genetic trends from 1977 to 2000 for stress-responsive systems in French Large White and Landrace pig populations using frozen semenAn experimental design aiming at estimating realized genetic trends from 1977 to 1998-2000 in the French Large White (LW) and Landrace (LR) pig populations was conducted by INRA and IFIP-Institut du Porc. Large White sows were inseminated with semen from LW boars born in 1977 (frozen semen) or in 1998 and their second generation offspring were station tested. Landrace sows were inseminated with semen from LR boars born in 1977 (frozen semen) or in 1999-2000, and their progeny was station tested. Urinary concentration of stress hormones (cortisol and catecholamines) and traits related to carcass composition (estimated carcass lean content (ECLC) and global adiposity) and meat quality (pH 24 h) were measured. For the two populations, selection carried out since 1977 led to an increase in ECLC and a decrease in carcass adiposity. Between 1977 and 1998-2000, urinary concentrations of stress hormones were unchanged in the LR breed, but were decreased in the LW breed. Moreover, for the animals generated from LW boars born in 1977 and in 1998, urinary cortisol levels were negatively correlated with ECLC. Therefore, in the LW breed, selection carried out for higher ECLC resulted in a decrease in cortisol production, as well as a reduction of catecholamine production that may be responsible for the lower ultimate pH of meat. Therefore, selection carried out for increased carcass lean content led, in this breed, to large modifications in the functioning of the stress-responsive systems, thereby influencing a large range of physiological regulations and technical properties such as meat quality. 60TH ANNUAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (EAAP), 24-27 AOUT 2009, BARCELONE, ESPAGNE, P. 285 - SESSION 26, POSTER 13Genetic parameters and genetic trends for litter size at birth and at weaning and teat number in French Landrace and Large White pigsGenetic parameters of the number of piglets born alive (NBA), nursed by a sow until weaning (NN), weaned from a sow (NW) and of the number of functional teats (NFT) were estimated in Large White dam line (LWd) and French Landrace (FL) pig breeds using REML methodology applied to a multiple trait animal model. Genetic trends from 1988 to 2007 were then estimated by computing average estimated breeding values on a yearly basis. The data consisted of 198,267 LWd and 110,034 FL litters, and of 374,121 LWd 200,036 FL records for NFT. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.07 to 0.12 for litter size and were 0.29 (LWd) and 0.30 (FL) for NFT. Though positively correlated, NN and NW appeared to be genetically different traits (rG=0.68±0.03 and 0.85±0.02 in LWd and FL, respectively). NFT had slightly negative genetic correlations with NBA in both breeds. Genetic correlations became null or positive in LWd (0.00±0.0x for NW and 0.24±0.07 for NN), but were less favourable in FL breed (-0.08±0.05 for NW and 0.06±0.05 for NN). Genetic trends for NBA exceeded 3.5 and 2.5 piglets/litter, respectively, in LWd and FL. Trends were slightly lower at weaning (2.7 and 2.0 piglets/litter, respectively). Using teat number to improve NN may be of interest in LWd, but is more questionable in FL breed. 60TH ANNUAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (EAAP), 24-27 AOUT 2009, BARCELONE, ESPAGNE, P. 164 - SESSION 14, POSTER 66Results of 29th end-product inspection testThe purpose of the end-product inspection test is to supply objective public reference values for the growth, carcass and meat quality performances of end-products from different combinations of genetic types of breeding sows and boars produced by certified pig breeding organisations. This 29th test, which assessed five end-products, revealed noteworthy and significant differences in economic indicators of growth, carcass and meat quality performances. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 4, P. 3-16Notification of pig movements is now compulsorySince 17 July 2009, the association BDPORC has been certified by the Ministry of Agriculture as responsible for running the national pig identification database. Notification of movements, which is now compulsory, requires transmission to BDPORC, within a period of 7 days, of information recording all movements of pigs. The two information packs – "The Breeder’s Guide" and "The Delegator’s Guide" – are reproduced in this paper. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 4, P. 17-23Breeding goals for sustainable animal breeding: Views and expectations of stakeholders from the production chains and the general publicTo contribute to the management of European farm animal genetic resources in Europe, the project ‘COSADD’ identified and ranked relevant sustainable breeding goals, according to the preferences of food chain and general public stakeholders. Four species - cattle, fish, pig and poultry - were studied, as representatives of the diversity of meat production systems and breeding schemes. In 2008 30 semistructured interviews were carried out with representatives of the breeding schemes and agro-industrial actors. Stakeholders’ priorities were analyzed in both current economic and sustainable development contexts. The interviewees shared some views: the priority of the economic and marketing aspects, the necessity to produce animals easy to raise and, resilient to sanitary risks. Environment and animal welfare were also important traits even if considered as external demands. However, many differences in priorities were associated to the specificities of each species production system (intensive or not, link to the soil) and breeding schemes (private or public). In 2009 interviews were carried out with retailers and representatives of general public associations (consumers, animal or environment protection). They focused on public views and expectations toward animal production, definition of sustainable development and opinion on some controversial questions about the relations between animal production and environment or animal welfare. Public opinion about different selection methods were also tested and are presented in the communication. 60TH ANNUAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (EAAP), 2009, BARCELONA, SPAIN, P. 130Effect of the halothane genotype on growth performances, carcass, and meat quality traits in the Piétrain breed of the French national pig breeding programThe halothane allele (n) is segregating in the French national Pietrain breed. Records from the three French central test stations were available for 1,557 Pietrain pigs of known halothane gene status (128 NN, 334 Nn and 1,095 nn). Production traits, carcass composition and meat quality measurements were studied to compare the three genotypes and assess the allele effects. Water holding capacity was the trait most affected by the halothane allele (-0.76 phenotypic standard deviations, sd) followed by the length of the carcass (-0.62 sd) and by carcass traits related to leanness and fatness: dressing percentage, fat and muscle depth and weights of back leg, loin, and fat and rind above loin. The magnitude of the effect of the halothane allele varied from 0.21 to 0.47 phenotypic standard deviations for these carcass traits. In addition, performance of the heterozygous genotype was more similar to the homozygous (NN) genotype. Significant differences between the three genotypes were found for ultimate pH but not for colour. Colour (L*-value) was the only trait for which the heterozygous genotype was more similar to the superior homozygous genotype. In comparison to carcass and meat quality traits, the halothane allele effect was lower for production traits (from -0.12 to 0.02 sd). 18TH CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS (AAABG), 2009, BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, P. 191-194Genetic correlations between carcass length, fat and muscle depths and primal cut weights in the French Large White sire lineRecords for the French national Large White sire line were collected between 1999 and 2008 for 65,082 pigs on farm and for 2,429 carcasses of siblings measured in three test stations. Ultrasonic measures of backfat and muscle depth were recorded in vivo on farm. In addition, fat and muscle depth as well as length were recorded on carcasses of littermates. Weights of primal cuts included back leg, loin with the skin and fat trimmed as well as shoulder and belly weights. Heritability estimates were moderate to high for the four primal cuts, ranging from 0.21 for shoulder to 0.46 for back leg weight. Estimates of genetic correlations (ra) showed back leg weight was genetically independent from loin (ra: 0.06) and shoulder (ra: 0.01) weights. Belly weight was negatively correlated with the weight of the three other cuts (ra: -0.57 to -0.33). The heritability of carcass length was high (0.64) but the genetic correlations between this trait and weights of primal cuts were low (ra: 0.05 to 0.26) limiting its use as a potential selection criterion for these traits. Estimates of genetic correlations between fat and muscle depth with primal cut weights were generally higher for fat and muscle depth measured on the carcass in contrast to in vivo measures. 18TH CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS (AAABG), 2009, BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, P. 191-194Between-breed variability of primal cuts weight and genetic correlations with pork quality traitsWeights of primal cuts including loin with the skin and fat trimmed (LON), skin-on ham (JAM), belly (POI), shoulder (EPA) and backfat above the loin (BAR) of the right side of each carcass were recorded in French central test stations from 1999 to 2008. Data were collected on 10 759 Large White dam line (LWF), 6 293 Landrace Français (LF), 2 429 Large White sire line (LWM) and 2 253 Pietrain (PP) pigs. The Pietrain breed differed considerably from the other breeds, particularly by a lower backfat weight and a heavier ham weight. Heritability estimates (h²) were generally high for loin, ham and backfat weights (ranging from 0.43 to 0.61), except for loin weight in Pietrain (h² = 0.29). Heritability estimates were also lower for belly and shoulder weights (ranging from 0.20 to 0.35). Ham weight was genetically independent from loin weight in the two sire lines in contrast to moderate positive genetic correlations (0.18 and 0.37) in the two dam lines. The Pietrain differed from the three other breeds in regard to the genetic correlations between ham and shoulder weights (-0.42 versus 0.01 to 0.11) and between shoulder and backfat weights (0.24 versus -0.42 to -0.36). The majority of genetic correlations between meat quality traits and primal cut weights were not significant. However, selection for heavier weights of lean primal cuts would reduce ultimate pH in the Large White dam line and would lead to paler pork in the three white breeds. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 161-165Analysis of genetic variability of Spanish and French pig populations from paternity test dataPoster. Purebred males of the Spanish and French populations of this study are quasi systematically subjected to paternity control. Ten microsatellite markers are in common between analyses realised in Spain and France. After the adjustment of allele sizes, it is possible to merge the two data sets, representing most of pure bred Duroc, Landrace, Large White and Piétrain boars in both countries. The genetic diversity analysis of these pig populations is presented, as well as the assignment of an individual to its breed. The population structure is identical to that observed in previous studies, with a clear clustering of populations within main breeds. The 10 microsatellites ensure a powerful detection of the breed of origin with a rate of assignation of 95-99%. Moreover, outlier animals can be detected with these approaches. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 27-28Genetic evaluation of French Pietrain pigs including the halothane genotypePoster. The halothane sensitivity allele (n) is segregating in the French Pietrain breed. Currently, the halothane genotype is used for the choice of young candidates even if it is not included in the genetic evaluation. This study was conducted to determine if the addition of the halothane genotype in the genetic evaluation of the French Pietrain population could improve the accuracy of the estimates of breeding values. Records were available for 47,804 Pietrain pigs of known halothane genotype (6,211 NN, 8,151 Nn, 33,442 nn). Average daily gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, lean mean content, carcass dressing percentage and meat quality index were recorded on 2,147 females between 2002 and 2008 in the French test stations. Age, backfat thickness and loin depth at 100 kg were recorded on 45,657 pigs in French selection herds during the same period. Two statistical models were compared, one including the halothane genotype as fixed effect (M2) and the other not (M1). Variance components used for predicting breeding values were estimated for the nine traits. Heritability estimates varied from 0.33 to 0.57 for M1 and 0.34 to 0.59 for M2, and were therefore higher than those used in the current genetic evaluation. Breeding values were then estimated using the models M1 or M2. Correlations between M1 and M2 estimates of breeding values were very high for each trait except for carcass dressing percentage, whatever the halothane genotype. According to Kendall correlation coefficients, including the halothane genotype in the genetic evaluation has an impact on the ranking of animals, particularly for the heterozygous ones. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 185-186 |
WelfareWelfare assessment in 82 pigs farms: Effect of animal age and floor type on behaviour and injuries in fattening pigsA welfare assessment method was built, based on criteria related to behaviour, lesion scores and human/animal interactions, and tested thereafter in two main types of farms differing by their type of floor: either concrete, fully or partially slatted (C; n = 42) or straw bedding (S; n = 40). Observations were carried out on 40 to 60 pigs per room for three periods (90, 130 and 162 days of age, respectively, for P1, P2 and P3). Behaviour was assessed through five scans with a two-minute interval between two successive observations. Each behaviour was expressed in relation to the total amount of active behaviours. Injuries were scored on a three-level scale (none, mild, severe). Social behaviour was significantly more important at P1 whereas behaviours related to disturbance were more frequently observed at P3. Bursitis did not differ significantly between periods in S farms but did so in C over time. Small differences were seen between periods for injuries: severe lesions (scratches) and lameness were rare on the different flooring systems and severe wounds and tail lesions were less frequent in S than in C farms. Investigation of the environment was more pronounced on S floors, whereas positive social behaviour was more prevalent in C. All criteria studied were characterised by a noticeable variability in both floor types, showing room for improvement in terms of animal welfare in some farms. ANIMAL WELFARE (GBR), 2009, V. 18, N° 4, P. 515-521Evaluation of the safety, efficacy and production benefits of vaccination against boar taint in male pigs raised under commercial field conditions in FranceSafety and efficacy of ImprovacTM for boar taint control, and the impact of replacing physical castration with Improvac vaccination on growth performance and carcase quality were assessed by comparing vaccinated male pigs, barrows and entire boars under French commercial conditions. Growth of female pigs penned with vaccinated pigs and barrows was also examined. Male pigs were vaccinated with Improvac when aged 8–9 weeks and 18–19 weeks—five weeks before slaughter. After weaning, vaccinated pigs and barrows were raised in separate growing pens with an equivalent number of females in each pen. Entire boars were penned separately. Compared with boars, Improvac reduced testicular weight by 69%, and reduced belly fat androstenone and skatole concentrations below recognised sensory thresholds of 500 and 1000 ng/g, and 200 ng/g respectively. Compared with barrows, average daily gain in vaccinated pigs was 8% higher (P=0.0006) and feed conversion 11% lower (P=0.0004) over the entire fattening period; from second vaccination to slaughter, they were 33% higher (P<0.0001) and 20% lower (P=0.0006) respectively. Lean meat percentage (TMP) was 1.2 percentage points higher in vaccinated pigs than barrows. Vaccination was safe with no detectable injection site reactions the day before slaughter. From second vaccination to slaughter, average daily gain was 9% higher (P=0.0333) and feed conversion ratio 15% lower (P=0.0047) in females penned with vaccinated pigs compared with females penned with barrows. Vaccination effectively controlled boar taint and vaccinates had better growth performance than barrows. Furthermore, growth and feed conversion of females penned with vaccinated males improved after male penmates received their second vaccination. REVUE DE MEDECINE VETERINAIRE (FRA), 2009, V. 160, N° 8-9, P. 383-393Current practice and stakeholder attitudes regarding piglet castration in EuropeIn most European countries, male piglets are castrated at a young age. This practice is however increasingly opposed because it is considered as painful. The PIGCAS project surveyed the practice of castration and stakeholder attitudes towards surgical castration without anaesthesia and its possible alternatives. Europe may be roughly divided into three zones. In the British islands and Iberian and Hellenic peninsulas, most of the male pigs are left entire. In eastern European countries, most of the male pigs are castrated, often by a specialised person other than the farmer. In the remaining countries, most of the male pigs are castrated by the farmer himself. There is a major conflict of interest between animal welfare NGOs and the other stakeholder categories. Animal welfare NGOs are categorically opposed to surgical castration without anaesthesia and are the most in favour of entire male pig production. Surgical castration with anaesthesia seems to be rather consensual as a short term solution, despite its drawbacks regarding cost and practicality, and increasing doubts about its efficacy to prevent pain in real life situations. Some consensus is emerging on entire male pig production being the best long term solution, provided that the boar taint problem can be solved. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 225-230On farm pig welfare assessment: Comparison between slatted floors and litter based systemsbibliography analysis as well as consumers and farmers opinions: behaviour, health, general status, human/animal relationship. These indicators are translated into criteria: type of lesion (scratches, wounds, tail and ears lesions, lameness, leg problems), social positive and negative behaviour, investigation, promiscuity related behaviour, postures, location of animals in the pen, bursitis, animal and pen cleanliness, fear of human. A measurement method is described for each criterion. A survey is carried out in forty-two farms with concrete slatted floor and forty farms with straw bedding. Observations are made in three different rooms on 40 to 60 animals in each room: - at the beginning of the fattening period, at least ten days after the animal arrival - at the end of the fattening period, before the first departure to the slaughterhouse - on animals of intermediate weight. Lesion score is low for both floor types. Average frequency of high score lesions is under 0.3% (scratches and lameness) and 0.5% (wounds). Environment investigation is more developed in straw-based systems (53.4% ± 12.3 et 46.0% ± 14.1 of active behaviour for straw and slatted floor respectively). Between farms variability is high for all criteria, indicating that they can be used in a welfare assessment tool. Furthermore, variability among systems indicates that there is room for animal welfare improvement in each system. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 5, SEPTEMBRE-OCTOBRE, P. 9-14Effect of local anesthesia or anti-inflammatory treatment on pain associated with piglet castration and on labour demandFour treatments were compared within litter in a first experiment: castration without analgesia or anesthesia (V), sham castration (S), castration with anesthesia (lidocaïne, L) and castration with analgesia (kétoprofene, K). Behaviour at castration and during the following hour was recorded every 2 minutes (scan) on 24 piglets per treatment (J0). Observations were repeated for 1 h starting 24 h after castration (J1). Plasma cortisol concentration was measured 30 minutes after castration. In a second trial, extra labour due to the use of anaesthetic prior to castration was investigated. Behavioural data indicated that pain at castration was the same for K and V piglets and reduced by an injection of 1 ml lidocaïne 2% in each testis (P<104). Intensity of vocalizations did not differ between S and L groups but was lower than in K and V groups. Nevertheless, cortisol levels were similar between L and V piglets but higher than in K and S piglets (195.9 ng/ml, 177.1 ng/ml, 128.0 ng/ml and 67.4 ng/ml, respectively, for V, L, K and S groups, P<104). After castration, huddling up, isolation, desynchronization at suckling were similar between L and V piglets, whereas K piglets tended to behave like the S ones. Exploring and standing postures were more frequent in S and K groups than in the other groups. Local anaesthesia prior to castration increased labour demand by 39 to 52%. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, 2-3 FEVRIER, P. 27-34Impact of the non castration of male pigs on growth performance and behaviour - comparison with barrows and giltsGrowth performance, carcass quality, behaviour and general condition of crossbred (Pietrain x Large White) x (Large White x Landrace) boars, barrows and gilts were compared from a batch of pigs fed ad libitum and group - housed both during the postweaning (eight-nine pigs/pen) and the fattening (six pigs/pen) periods. Pigs were all slaughtered on the same day. Between 28 and 63 days of age (post-weaning period), growth performance was not significantly influenced by the gender. Between 63 and 152 days of age (fattening period), daily feed intake of boars was 11% lower than that of barrows (2.41 vs. 2.70 kg/d) whereas their average daily gain was similar (1056 g). Consequently, feed conversion ratio was 14% lower for boars and their carcass was leaner. Gilts' performance and carcass leanness were intermediate between those of boars and barrows. According to simulations performed with the InraPorc software over the 25-116 kg body weight range, the digestible lysine requirement per unit of net energy was on average 0.1 g/MJ higher for boars than for gilts and barrows. Barrows were less active than gilts and boars and had more leg problems at the end of the fattening period (lameness, bursitis). Boars presented higher lesion scores (wounds/scratches) during the first six weeks and more social behaviour. Investigations showed that gilts were more interested by pen features than by other pigs. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 113-118Comparison between local anesthesia (1ml lidocaïne 1% per piglet) and analgesia (ketoprofene) on pain associated with piglet castrationPoster. Four treatments were compared within litter: castration without analgesia or anesthesia (V), castration with anesthesia (L, two 0,5ml injections of lidocaïne 1%), castration with analgesia (K, 0,75ml ketoprofene 1%) and sham castration (S). Behaviour at castration and during the following 2h30 was recorded every 2 minutes (scan) on 24 piglets per treatment (J0); observations were repeated between 24h and 26h30 (J1) and between 48h and 50h30 (J2) after castration. Cortisol and ACTH concentrations were measured 30 minutes after castration; cortisol level was significantly higher in L and V groups than in K group, which was also higher than S group (p<10-4). Body movements in L group were less frequent during castration than in V and K groups but higher than in S group (p<10-4). Vocalizations were louder in V than in L piglets (p<10-4), the K group being intermediate. Sham castrated piglets cried out to a lesser extent. Pain-related behaviour was more often displayed by L and V piglets than by S and K ones: huddling up and prostration were more frequent on J0 and tail-wagging on J1 and J2. Exploration was also less frequent in V and K piglets. Local anaesthesia alleviated pain during castration but had no clear effect on pain after castration. Contrarily, analgesia had no clear effect during castration whereas it reduced pain intensity thereafter but might slower the healing process. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, POSTER, P. 35-36Fogging system: a way to improve the welfare of growing-finishing pigs during summer periodsPoster. Temperature is an important issue in pig production. Fogging systems could be a way to improve pig welfare. Two trials were carried out in order to compare the behaviour of animals raised in two similar rooms, one equipped with a fogging system (SB) and the second considered as a control room (ST). In the first trial (E1), a heating system was used in order to simulate summer temperatures. 108 pigs were allocated to six pens per room (0.76m²/pig). They received water and feed ad libitum. In the second trial (E2), ambiant temperature depended only on weather conditions. 240 pigs were allocated to twelve pens per room (0.65m²/pig). Animals received three liquid meals per day and two water distributions. Observations were made at three periods (mean live weights, E1: 39kg-59kg-89kg; E2: 55kg-70kg-86kg). Measurements concerned animal behaviour (24h video recordings), lesions and panting, animal weight and feed intake. No panting pigs was observed but ST1 pigs had a higher respiratory rate at the third period. ST1 animals spent less time feeding than SB1 ones, except during 5h-9h a.m.. Their ADG was therefore lower (818g/d vs 858g/d, p<0.05). SB pigs had more scratches in both trials but important wounds (tails, legs) were more frequent in ST rooms. ST pigs laid more on their side than SB ones. Overall water consumption (fogging system and drinkers) was the same in both rooms in E1 (about 9.4l/pig/d) and a bit higher in SB room in E2 (8.4 and 7.9l/pig/d). These results indicate a better comfort in SB rooms. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, VOL. 41, P. 243-246 |
EnvironmentMeasuring gaseous emissions from stored pig slurryThe study tested the use of dynamic floating chambers to measure emissions factors of ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O) methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from stored pig slurry and measured the variations of the emissions in time and space. In 2006, dynamic floating chambers were used for the continuous measurement of gaseous emissions from two experimental tanks filled with fattening pig slurry stored for two summer months and in a pit filled repeatedly with mixed slurry between October and March. To check the influence of air speed on gaseous emissions, each tank was fitted with a chamber: one operating with an air speed at the surface of the slurry of 0.01 m/s, the other with a speed of 1 m/s. To ascertain the spatial variability of the emissions, two identical chambers were used for the pit: one was regularly displaced across the surface of the slurry; the other was fixed throughout the storage period. The measurements obtained were compared with the nitrogen and carbon input-output mass balances of the slurry. The results indicated that the measured gaseous emissions explained 4 to 38% of the total nitrogen losses and 61 to 285% of the total carbon losses. The use of such dynamic floating chambers is not an appropriate method to evaluate the gaseous emission factors from slurry storage. The kinetics of the emissions underline the importance of measurement periods and their duration to measure emission factors. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 265-270Wet scrubber: One way to reduce ammonia and odours emitted by pig unitsWith the intensification of European regulation on atmospheric pollution, reduction of ammonia emitted by pig units become a priority for farmers. Conflicts between pig farmers and neighbourhood are generally based on odours emissions. The part of buildings in ammonia produced by pig production is estimated of 60% of the whole ammonia emitted. For odours, this part is around 70%. Sows and the rearing of piglets until 30 kg represent less than 30% of ammonia and around 40% of odours emitted by the building. Focus the means of reduction of ammonia and odours produced by rooms housing grower-finisher pigs appears to be a great way to decrease the whole quantity of ammonia and odours emitted by a pig farm. Nowadays, in pig production, the implementation of wet scrubber is probably the only means to reduce both. Wet scrubber equipment in pig production has a great development but several types of scrubber are proposed to farmers who not really know what are the main criteria illustrating the optimal efficiency of scrubbers on ammonia and odours. The aim of this article is to synthesise these main criteria based on studies achieved on experimental stations and on commercial units equipped with different kind of wet scrubbers. The incidence of some technical parameters of wet scrubber conception – volume, air and water flow rate - are illustrated on the efficiency on ammonia, odours and dust reduction. Global results of various types of wet scrubber are presented and their efficiency on ammonia, odours and dust emissions are showed in relation with season and physiological stages. In a last part, an economic comparison is realized between wet scrubbers and others ways of reduction proposed at present to pig farmers 60TH ANNUAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (EAAP), 24-27 AOUT 2009, BARCELONE, ESPAGNE, P. 167 - SESSION 40, POSTER 12Best available techniques in French pig productionAmmonia is one of the main gaseous compounds emitted by pig units. Since 2002, European regulation imposes to pig breeders to declare the whole quantity of ammonia produced by their farms. The NEC directive in 2001 combined to the IPPC directive adopted in 1996 fixed the level of emission and proposed technical tools with Best Available Techniques (BAT) to reduce ammonia emitted by pig farms. Intensive livestock concerned are installations for the intensive rearing of pigs with more than 2,000 places for production pigs (over 30 kg) or 750 places for sows. BAT are not only applied in order to reduce ammonia. Water and energy consumptions are concerned. The BAT’s list is presented in a technical synthesis – the BREF document – dedicated to intensive rearing poultry and pigs. Because ammonia can be emitted by building, the storage units and during the slurry spreading, BAT concerned all those aspects. In France, more than 3,000 installations for the intensive rearing of pigs and poultry are concerned by the IPPC directive and directly by the application of BAT. Most of the BAT proposed on the storage and the landspreading of manure are already commonly applied in intensive pig farms in relation with specific French regulation. At the opposite, the application of BAT dedicated to the reduction of ammonia emission from pig housing could be more difficult. Actually, in France, more than 75% of grower-finisher pigs are housed on fully-slatted floor with underlying deep collection pit. Most of the BAT identified in the BREF document are based on the reduction of the surface of the collection pit with partially-slatted floor and with frequent evacuation of manure. The aim of this article is to analyse the environmental impact including ammoniac, odours, water and energy of those short-term modifications on French pig production and to propose alternative techniques which are not yet BAT. As often as possible, economic and welfare aspects will be added to environmental data. 60TH ANNUAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (EAAP), 24-27 AOUT 2009, BARCELONE, ESPAGNE, P. 558 - SESSION 51, THEATRE 5Evaluation of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn in manure of weaned pigs receiving high levels of organic or inorganic supplementationA 40 days experiment has been undertaken to evaluate the Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn excretion of piglets given the upper concentrations allowed by European legislation in compound feeds. 40 male and female piglets blocked at an average weight of 8.0 kg (28 days of age) received ad libitum up to 28.6 kg control or experimental diets formulated without phytase. Inorganic (sulfates and oxide) or organic sources were respectively used in control and experimental diets as a supplementation of 110, 150, 50 and 110 mg of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn elements per kg. The analyzed concentrations of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn in the control and experimental diets were respectively of 228,161,72,120 and 239, 145, 76 and 145 mg/kg for phase 1 diets, and 279, 156, 70, 126 and 274, 143, 75, 150 mg/kg for phase 2 diets. A lower grade of the commercial zinc oxide used could explain that control diets had slightly lower contents in zinc than expected. There were no differences in average daily feed intake, daily gain and manure production by animals. Excretion of Fe, Cu and Mn did not differ for inorganic (respectively 5.6, 4.0 and 1.8 g/pig) and organic (respectively 5.6, 4.0 and 1.9 g/pig) sources, whereas the zinc excretion was slightly lower for pigs receiving the inorganic elements (3.3 g/pig) than for those given the organic form (3.9 g/pig), which was probably caused by the lower concentration in control diets. It can be concluded that when high safety margins above the physiological requirements are applied, the excretion values per animal remain important. Thus, the environmental effects of trace elements could be reduced by a lower supplementation rate of these metals, while using dietary sources with better bioavailability values. 60TH ANNUAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION (EAAP), 2009, BARCELONA, SPAIN, P. 440 - SESSION 40, POSTER 15First estimate of the carbon footprint of pig production at the farm gateTechnical institutes have drafted a methodological guide called "GES’TIM" for estimating the impact of agriculture on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The implementation of this method has provided an evaluation of the carbon footprint of French pig breeding (up to the farm gate) at 2.69 ± 0.4 kg CO2eq/kg pig liveweight, by identifying the main emission sources (direct emission of effluents and indirect emissions through food). This work has also revealed sources of inaccuracy in evaluation (through lack of references or because of high uncertainty in available values) and pinpoints the sources that are most sensitive in this respect. Additional work will now be needed to consolidate these references. This need is seen in several current projects, e.g., environmental labelling of consumer items provided for by the National Consensus on the Environment (planned for early 2011) and the carbon tax. The challenge this work must meet is to give the pork industry a set of values representative of the French production context, and that are sensitive to the diversity of pig breeding practice and possible directions for further progress. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 4, P. 25-34A whole farm-model to simulate the environmental impacts of animal farming system: MELODIEThe ex-ante environmental evaluation of farming system is an increasing demand to propose new evolutions of animal farming systems. Modelling is a promising approach to reduce the cost and the delay to study the relationship between farming management and risky emissions. The simulation of impacts of alternative decisions is essential to better analyze ex-ante changes in farm management, but is rarely considered in environmental models. MELODIE simulates the flows of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, copper, zinc and water within the whole animal pig and dairy farm over the long term. The model is structured according the ontology of agricultural production systems (Martin-Clouaire and Rellier, this meeting) to better represent the interactions between the biotechnical system and the decision system. MELODIE upscales dynamic models developed at the field or animal scale by considering the management of the whole farm system concurrently with the livestock farming system. The biotechnical module simulates the nutrient flows at a daily time step for each entity of the sub-models simulating soil/crop, animal and manure related processes. The decision module is organised through activity plans. MELODIE represents decisions at two time scales: every year, for drawing annual activity plans and every day for the context-dependant application of this plan. The plans are partly generated by a planning sub-model which is used annually to translate general objectives and constraints into crop and manure allocations to each plot. Due to the interactions between the biotechnical system and the decision system at different time scales, MELODIE is able to simulate adaptative evolution of livestock farming system under different long-term climate series. The goal is to study the emerging properties of the system. Besides, because the nutrient flows within the farm are dynamically simulated, it is possible to study both the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the environmental impacts. This approach enables a better understanding of variability in farming systems according to climate. Applied to nitrogen losses, it shows that the indicator “nitrogen farm surplus” varies greatly from year to year in mixed dairy farms and is poorly correlated to nitrate losses within years, but is a pertinent indicator of nitrate losses over several years. MELODIE is intended for use in research, not as a decision support system for farm management. It is a framework for virtual experimentation on animal farming systems, and could be extended to deal with other issues than nutrient flows. 7TH WORKSHOP « MODELLING NUTRIENT DIGESTION AND UTILIZATION IN FARM ANIMALS ». AGROPARISTECH PARIS, 2009, SESSION 6: MODELLING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION, P. 71Comparison of ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from fattening pigs kept either on partially slatted floor in cold conditions or on fully slatted floor in thermoneutral conditionsContinuous measurements of ammonia and greenhouse gas were achieved on exhaust air from two fattening rooms differing by the type of floor (totally slatted vs partially slatted floor) and the ambient temperature. Temperature was regulated at 18°C in the room with partially slatted floor (room CP18) and 24°C in the room with fully slatted floor (CI24). Pigs were fed ad libitum. Daily feed intake, growth rate and carcass backfat thickness were significantly higher in pigs from room CP18 than from room CI24, whereas feed conversion ratio tended to be higher in CP18 pigs. Under cold conditions (18°C), the NH3, N2O, CH4 and CO2 daily emissions per pig on partially slatted floor were similar to those on fully slatted floor under thermoneutral conditions (CI24 : 8.9-0.12-7.3 and 676 g, CP18: 9.1-0.15-8.4 and 629 g, respectively). A further reduction of ammonia emission from pig units on partially slatted floor would require a more pronounced reduction of ambient temperature. However, in such conditions, a deterioration of feed conversion ratio and carcass leanness may be expected. Thus, the extra-cost induced by the utilization of partially slatted floor in very cold ambient conditions would not be acceptable with regard to the definition of Best Available Techniques given by the IPPC directive. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 277-284Membrane filtration of pig slurry - Part 1: Review of the literatureSince the early 1990s, there has been a surge in the number of different membrane filtration trials led on piggery wastes. Most of these trials have been led at lab scale, but there are examples of trials led at farm scale. Nanofiltration, and logically speaking reverse osmosis, aggregate together the soluble nutrients, including ammonia nitrogen and salts, so that they can be affordably transported outside the surplus-producing zone. This review begins by recapping the principles of membrane filtration before reviewing the clogging issue, which is the main problem arising when implementing these processes, and the solutions imposed: pre-treatments and scrubbing procedures. It is equally important to understand and address the volume reduction factor, which impacts not just processing costs but also the costs involved in transporting the nutrients. Finally, ammonia nitrogen, which is one of the more specific components of animal waste, is more complex to handle due to its atypical behaviour profile. This review highlights that membrane filtration-based separation techniques are recognized as effective, reliable, and easy to implement, but more difficult to correctly scale and finalize. Clogging remains hard to avoid, difficult to reduce, and complex to analyze. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 2, P. 33-40Membrane filtration of pig slurry - Part 2: Perspectives for application in the pork industryAccepting that there are technical hurdles complexifying the membrane filtration of animal waste, this study nevertheless demonstrates that industrial applications are already feasible in practice, in particular after an aerobic/anaerobic digestion phase. Satisfactory results obtained on a membrane bioreactor open up promising perspectives for treating residual wastewater from biological wastewater treatment plants. Coupling biomethanation with membrane filtration not only cuts down on clogging problems but also presents the compelling advantage of generating a potential source of profit. However, profitability is only possible in highly specific configurations. In the short term at least, membrane filtration of raw pig slurry is unfortunately not yet a viable solution. TECHNI PORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 3, P. 25-30Gaseous and odorous emissions from a bio-digestor of pig corpsesPoster. Alternative solution of pig corpses management could be the bio-digestion. Corpses were stored in a tank with hot water (38°C) for two periods (3 months each). Air extracted from the tank was treated with a biofilter combined with activated charcoal in a chimney. A global study was achieved on technical aspects of this alternative method but this article focused only on gaseous and odorous emissions. GC-MS and GC-sniffing were applied with olfactometric analysis on air samples taken during the whole study (6 months) from the exit of the tank, just after the biofilter and after the unit of activated charcoal. On the air samples taken from the tank, odour concentration was very high (109 odour units/m3) but it decreased until the end of the study to 105 odour unit/m3. Considering odours emitted to the atmosphere, levels varied around 103 odour units/m3 showing the great efficiency of the air treatment. Ammonia concentrations were around 500 ppm at the exit of the tank, and only 5 ppm in the air exhausted to the atmosphere. Some sulphurous compounds such as DMDS (DiMethyl DiSulfur) appeared to have a great incidence on odours emissions. A positive correlation was found between the concentration of DMDS in the air and the level of odours emissions. This correlation was established on the air extracted from the tank or emitted to the atmosphere. Although the bio-digestion could be an alternative for an efficient management of corpses on commercial farms, it wouldn’t be possible to install it without air treatment. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, VOL. 41, P. 283-284Life cycle Assessment (LCA) of five pig production systems with different hypotheses for impact calculationPoster. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed for five virtual pig production units with different manure management systems: slurry (S), anaerobic digestion (AD), biological treatment (BT), slurry + solid manure (SM), and slurry + slurry composting on straw (S+C). Different hypotheses for accounting the impacts of manure utilisation (negative effects, positive effects, both or none) and origin of feed (local or imported) have been considered, as well as the effect of specific farmer’s practices within each system. Emissions were calculated by using the model Melodie and existing data bases. Compared to (S), (SM) and (BT) systems had lower impacts on eutrophication and higher impacts on global warming, whereas (S+C) was worse and (AD) was better for both categories (especially for global warming). Accounting negative effects of manure utilisation strongly penalized (S) and (AD) systems because of high emissions during spreading. It had moderate effects on global warming results, because manure spreading has relatively low contribution to this impact. Conversely, food provenance is more important for global warming than for eutrophication. Finally, specific farmer practices within each system could be determinant for the results of the evaluation. Consequently, this study highlights the need to take into account specific context and precise objectives in LCA ofpig production systems. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 281-282Sedimentation speed of dry matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in liquid manure from pigsPoster. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of underestimation of dry matter (DM), nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of slurry, according to time of sedimentation of these elements before sampling. These contents were measured on samples of sow or fattening pig slurry, collected 5, 15, 120 min and 24 hours after an initial phase of homogenization. The results indicated a rapid decrease of DM content for the slurry from sows. DM content also decreased in slurry from fattening pigs, but to a lesser extent. The evolution of P content was similar to the evolution measured for DM, both for the two types of slurry. Conversely, the concentration in K remained perfectly stable in time because of its high solubility. With a slow sedimentation, the evolution of N content was intermediate between P and K. This reduction was negligible 30 minutes after the stop of the brewer, and it reached 8 % after 24 hours (65 % for the phosphorus). From a practical point of view, for the determination of N content, slurry samples have to be taken within half an hour after the end of mixing. Whereas for P, sampling must be performed as soon as possible or even better during mixing, especially in the case of diluted manures such as produced by sows. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE, 2009, V. 41, P. 279-280 |
MeatDetermining the lean content of pork carcassesCarcass lean yield is defined as the proportion of tissues of interest of a carcass obtained according to a reference method. Carcass lean yield is associated with the carcass commercial value. This chapter reviews the across-countries definitions of pork carcass lean yield, the technologies that are available today for both the on-line determination of these lean yields and the precise measure of the weight of the tissues of interest. The limit of actual definitions of lean yields and of the methods used for predicting carcass lean composition are discussed. Future directions for the on-line determination of carcass value are given. In: IMPROVING THE SENSORY AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF FRESH MEAT, PART IV, CHAP 21, P. 493-518, BY J.P. KERRY AND D. LEDWARD, 664 P.Hydrating pigs before loading: Impact on carcass performance, meat quality and processabilityThe primary objective of this study was to quantify the water consumption levels of pigs watered in the loading station according to two parameters: time at the trough and two currently predominant feeding systems. The second objective was to assess pig carcass weight losses according to whether they are watered, in order to gauge the benefits of watering. The third objective was to measure the effect of watering on meat quality. The results show that watering pigs at the loading play only had a positive effect on carcass weight under a feeder-fed system and if the pig farmer released the pigs at least 8 hrs before the truck was to arrive. Watering the pigs had no effect on meat quality (pH, colour) and little effect on overall yield as superior-quality hams. VIANDES ET PRODUITS CARNES (FRA), 2009, V. 27, N° 1, JANVIER-FEVRIER, P. 15-20The downstream pork industry: Energy efficiency analysis on industrial unit operationsEnergy generates significant operating expenditure for meatsector businesses. The costs incurred through energy-related expenditure have risen sharply over the last five years. This study, led jointly between the ADIV and the IFIP with technical and equipment input from Tecaliman, was able to highlight liquid-specific consumption levels in downstream processes at pork industry businesses and to audit current sector-wide technical and economic performances. Analysis of the differences in performance profiles between the 12 businesses 'audited' showed that there was potential for making savings on the majority of energy inputs used, both in terms of production unit operations and secondary fluids (refrigeration, coolant circuits, compressed air and vacuum circuits, etc.). The study also highlighted all-round low levels of fluid and/or energy metering equipment at the business studied. Consequently, there is general lack of knowledge on the distribution and proportional breakdown of the main consumption cost items. However, the study does, despite these hurdles, highlight fully-viable strategies for the downstream pork industry to make savings. VIANDES ET PRODUITS CARNES (FRA), 2009, V. 27, N° 2, P. 51-59Fresh pork meat: Operationally-deployable meat quality criteria. Links to exudative lossesThe fresh meat industry is looking for ways to predict the water binding capacity of meat in order to optimize meat sorting and reduce the economic impacts involved. It is crucial to select a good of exudate loss predictor. This study was designed to compare predicted exudative water losses based on post-slaughter quality criteria metrics. The quality criteria measured at 5 and 24 hrs post-mortem, including pH, conductivity and L value, were more strongly correlated to exudative losses than measurements taken at 30 minutes post-mortem. These results were recorded under relatively unstressful animal handling and anaesthesia conditions, on meat with higher-than-average pH 1hr levels indicating very minimal likelihood to go PSE. Under this specific condition-set, the pH24hr of Longissimus dorsi muscle appeared the best-ranked predictor of exudative losses among the measurements tested VIANDES ET PRODUITS CARNES (FRA), 2009, V. 27, N° 3, P. 86-88Cooking and endpoint temperature on the nutritional values of pork loinNutritional values of fresh pork retail cuts have been recently updated in a national program. Experimental design was set up to estimate the domestic cooking impact on nutritional content of pork loins, and target cooking temperature influence was also tested. Analysis were conducted on 36 loin samples distributed in 4 treatment group that applied endpoint temperature from 70°c to 80°c, including control samples (raw). Cooking induce an increasing content for a majority of minerals (from +12% to +55% for total iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and magnesium) as for proteins, total fat, cholesterol, SFA, ash, B2 and B12 vitamins. Our results describe PUFA, MUFA, B3 and B6 vitamins as heat sensitive nutrients (from -3% to -39%). Endpoint temperature had no critical effects on nutrient composition of pork loins except for MUFA and PUFA levels that showed a 75°c threshold for significant decrease. 55TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF MEAT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (ICOMST), 2009, COPENHAGEN (DENMARK), P. 1566-1570Kinetics of the drop in pH between 18 and 72 h post-mortem: pH patterns in crude and boned hamsThis study produced detailed indications of pH time-course patterns over a period critical to industrial operators, i.e. 18 to 72 h post mortem. Following the initial post mortem decay phase, pH rallies slightly (by +0.03 to +0.04) before stabilizing. This recovery, which reaches values just above the measure of precision, remains a systematic trend. This slight recovery in pH takes place in a post-mortem time-range that varies between slaughterhouses, generally between 18 and 27 h. The 18-24 h post-mortem period is therefore sufficiently unstable to introduce bias into measurements of ultimate pH. A measure at 30 h post mortem would give more reliable results. VIANDES ET PRODUITS CARNES (FRA), 2009, V. 27, N° 4, P. 130-134Impact of packaging mode on the livespan of pork meat in industrial consumer sales unitsThis study proposes a novel approach to assessing the impact of packaging on the microbiological spoilage of pork ribs in industrial consumer sales units. The comparison and monitoring of two packaging modes (film and controlled atmosphere) allowed the behaviour of spoilage flora to be characterised and the results to be extrapolated, using the Sym’Previus software, to thermal scenarios other than that tested experimentally. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 2, P. 17-21Sensory quality of pork meat: Impact of slaughter age and the use of the Duroc pig for Label Rouge production or heavy pigs. Utility of loin maturationThis study assesses the combined influence of increasing slaughter age and changing genetic type on the technological and sensory qualities, chemical composition and tenderness of fresh pork meat, and on its processability into Label Rouge cooked and quality cured hams. The study is extended by an approach to production costs according to slaughter age. From the point of view of improving the sensory quality of fresh meat, pigs from a Duroc boar are of interest for special quality products and discerning consumers. However, all the cuts have to be marketed. A Duroc-based product line also requires an appropriate payment scale to make up for lost lean content, and differentiated outlets must be found for both fresh meat and processed products. For breeding, Piétrain x Duroc is of greater interest because of its feed efficiency and carcase remuneration. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 2, P. 27-34Marinated pork products: Technological and sensory aspectsThe study was carried out in two strands: (i) a technological strand designed to position the utility of marinating treatment in achieving tenderness with respect to the response of meat with the same anatomical origin for the same pH classes, whether matured or fresh, and (ii) a sensory strand to evaluate consumer acceptability of the products. The results demonstrate the usefulness of marinating treatment in appreciably improving the quality of pork loin. The high consumer acceptability of these products points to a preference for the texture, linked to its greater tenderness, but also for appearance and taste. In addition, contamination by enterobacteria reached high levels after 21 days, validating the prior decision to limit the shelflife of marinated meat to only 14 days. The marinating treatment should make it possible to market marinated meat with good consumer appeal for a period of 14 days, preferentially through large retail chains. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 4, P. 35-37Bone blackening: What are the risk factors?The increased shelf-life of case-ready pork ribs saleable to the public has repercussions on the taste-texture quality of the meat end-product. Although meat colour is preserved, bone blackening has triggered a slump in sales. Jury-led visual assessments on meat cases confirmed that the meat preserves well in the case packing. However, bone blackening has a strongly negatively effect on purchases made after 8 days of storage. Pairwise process comparisons demonstrated that an intense chill released during case-hardening promotes the development of blackened bone, whereas the process steps involved in slaughter (carcass split and chiller type) had no significant impact. Similarly, cross-comparison of vacuum-packing vs film-packing was unable to conclusively identity any affect of packaging method. However, fogging the bones with ascorbic acid is able to delay the blackening process. After treatment, the bone blackening factor no longer limits sales of case-ready meat, as 99% of cases still get sold at the use-by date. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 5, P. 3-7Consumer acceptability in 2010 of entire male meat in processing meat industry of sausage, lardon, dry sausage and cooked hamThe acceptability of 4 processing products of the French pig meat industry processed with entire males pigs, females or castrated pigs has been tested by a consumer panel of 100 panelists (fresh sausages, lardons, dry sausages, cooked ham). The cutting morsels used come from 25 to 33 entire males which were characterized on the androstenone and skatole levels. The average androstenone levels of the entire males batches were high (> 1 m g/g of pure fat) and the skatole level was low (0.07 m g/g of pure fat). No differences were observed on the global acceptability, the taste and the intention of re-consumption of the 4 products from entire males batches in comparison to females and castrated pigs. About odor, we only observe for cooked ham a significant difference, the consumers prefered the ham odour of females batch then compared to entire males batch when they opened the commercial bag. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 5, P. 15-20Effect of halothane genotype on growth performance and carcass and meat qualityThe halothane allele (n) is segregating in the French national Pietrain breed. Records from the three French central test stations were available for 1,557 Pietrain pigs of known halothane gene status (128 NN, 334 Nn and 1,095 nn). Production traits, carcass composition and meat quality measurements were studied to compare the three genotypes and assess the allele effects. Water holding capacity was the trait most affected by the halothane allele (-0.76 phenotypic standard deviations, sd) followed by the length of the carcass (-0.62 sd) and by carcass traits related to leanness and fatness: dressing percentage, fat and muscle depth and weights of ham, loin, and fat and rind above loin. The magnitude of the effect of the halothane allele varied from 0.21 to 0.47 phenotypic standard deviations for these carcass traits. In addition, performance of the heterozygous genotype was more similar to the homozygous (NN) genotype. Significant differences between the three genotypes were found for ultimate pH but not for color. Color (L*-value) was the only trait for which the heterozygous genotype was more similar to the superior homozygous genotype. In comparison to carcass and meat quality traits, the halothane allele effect was lower for production traits (from -0.12 to 0.02 sd). TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 6, NOVEMBRE-DECEMBRE, P. 9-13Impact of packaging on the organoleptic quality of pork: Bone marrow darkeningExtending the use-by date of case-ready pork ribs can adversely affect the organoleptic quality of the meat. Although the meat colour is conserved, bone darkening results in lost sales. In this study, visual assessment of packaged cuts by a panel confirmed that the meat was well preserved inside the packaging. However, bone darkening strongly influenced purchasing after eight days storage. Comparison of processes showed that intense cold during cursting favoured bone darkening, while steps in the slaughter process (carcass split and drip variables) had no significant impact. Likewise, comparison of controlled atmosphere and film packaging demonstrated no influence of packaging mode. However, spraying ascorbic acid onto pork rib bones delayed bone darkening. After treatment, bone darkening was no longer found to limit the saleability of case-ready cuts: 99% of portions were bought by their use-by date. VIANDES ET PRODUITS CARNES (FRA), 2009, V. 27, N° 5, P. 145-148Androstenone and skatole levels in fat tissues and consumer acceptability of pork from entire male pigs reared in commercial farmsSurgical castration of male piglets without anaesthesia being increasingly considered as unacceptable, entire male production is regarded as one of the best long term solution, provided that the boar taint problem is worked out. Out of 347 entire male pigs from six commercial farms, only 3 % had skatole levels above 0.2 ppm, whereas 50 % and 20 % of them exhibited androstenone levels higher than 0.5 ppm and 1.0 ppm, respectively. Three batches of pigs have been then selected: “positive” males with high androstenone and skatole levels, “negative” males with low levels, and gilts. The meat (roasts) was evaluated by a panel of 144 consumers who were also tested for their ability to smell pure androstenone. Consumers rated odour of meat from positive males less favourably than that from negative males or gilts, with 33% vs 12 and 19 % of unfavourable opinions, respectively. Half of the consumers perceived the androstenone’s odour as unpleasant, whereas the others considered it as pleasant or are not able to smell it. Consumers perceiving androstenone odour as unpleasant were more dissatisfied with the odour of pork from positive males than the other consumers groups. In conclusion, French consumers are sensitive to boar taint while readily accepting pork from entire male pigs with androstenone and skatole levels being in the same range as those observed in castrates and gilts. Acceptability thresholds for the malodorous compounds could not be determined from the present study and remain to be investigated. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 189-196EU reference dissection method: The bellyJointing of the belly (according Walstra & Merkus, 1996). Cranially: by a cut between the 4th and the 5th rib following the line of the ribs. Caudally: by a cut starting 4 cm caudally of the last rib in a straight line to ventral (in case of a rudimentary rib one should consider this as the last rib, so that no bone is left in the «ventral part of belly »). Ventrally: by a cut along a line just dorsal from the row of teats. Dorsally: by a longitudinal cut following the line of the backbone, starting at a point 2 cm ventrally from the first thoracic vertebra and ending caudally 4 cm ventrally of the cartilage of the processus transversus of the second last lumbar vertebra usually being the 5th lumbar vertebra. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 2, P. 27-32Detection of invariant structures and selection of representative MRI slices of pig lean meat percentageTomography techniques are well suited to determine carcass composition. Nevertheless, sometimes some practical constraints appear like: too time consuming, too costly, only joints are available. In these cases scanning some representative slices is a suited alternative. This study aimed at firstly detecting some invariants to register images and secondly at selecting batches of contiguous slices for assessing the lean meat percentage of slaughterpigs. FARM ANIMAL IMAGING DAYS (FANI), 2010, SESSION 4, RENNES, FRANCE, P. 23Determination of IMF by MRI: A validation with the NIT and NMR techniquesThe intramuscular fat content in fresh pork and its distribution through the muscle are important factors in sensory acceptability to the consumer. The determination of intramuscular fat is based on the meticulous and time-consuming standard chemical extraction methods. Although near infrared transmittance (NIT) is a secondary method linked to a chemical reference method by sophisticated calibration, it is now an approved method for the commercial chemical analysis of meat. In this study we validated a self-calibrated NMR relaxometry technique using a single oil reference tube to determine IMF content in dried pig longissimus thoracis muscle. The NMR technique gave identical IMF content values as the NIT technique, previously calibrated by the Soxhlet reference method, with a RMSE of 0.13% between the two physical methods. We therefore propose a reliable and accurate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method using very simple sample preparation and image analysis to determine IMF content and distribution in intact pig muscle samples. IMF values obtained through MRI matched well with those obtained by NMR relaxometry and NIT techniques, with standard errors of calibration of 0.20% and 0.23%, respectively. FARM ANIMAL IMAGING DAYS (FANI), 2010, SESSION 4, RENNES, FRANCE, P. 7Pig myology dissection atlas: Potential tool for image labelingContextual image analysis is a powerful tool, but it requires anatomical knowledge. Atlases have been developed in different species: human, beef, pig, red deer, etc. Most of them are based on cross-sections on which are identified the different structures (bones, muscles,…). In pig, for instance, the University of Nebraska has published such an atlas for a fatty slaughterpig. Nevertheless, both the 2D views and no information about variability limit the understanding of the carcass characteristics. The authors have therefore created a new pig atlas giving in particular information in the longitudinal axis. This atlas has been specifically developed in the framework of pig classification. Its initial conception aimed at a help to the meat technicians performing dissections. A pig carcass was prepared, cut and dissected according to the EU reference procedure. For each joint, each muscle was isolated, a picture was taken and a movie was done. Furthermore, pictures of the muscular mass of each joint were taken after removal of each muscle. From these pictures an interactive CD-rom was designed. Firstly appears a left side cut into 12 joints. A click on a joint shows a lateral view of this joint. A click on a muscle of this joint shows this muscle and its name. A video of the muscle is available. A double click on the muscle removes the muscle and shows the rest of the joint. At the end of the process a general view of all the muscles and bones of the joint is presented, each muscle being identified by a number. Moreover, a table gives the correspondence between the number and the name in Latin. Finally, another table gives both the anatomical name and the butcher name. In a first stage this CD included only the 4 main joints (ham, loin, shoulder and belly), concerned by the EU reference for the lean meat percentage. Since 2009, the EU regulation authorizes the full dissection too. The CD has therefore been extended to the other joints in the same way. In complement, a series of articles has been publishing, each one concerning a joint. This material is intended to illustrate the future EU dissection procedure for assessing the reference lean meat percentage. As the tomography should replace dissection in a near future this material would obviously help too. Contextual image analysis is not absolutely needed for measuring the muscle volume, but it could contribute to improve accuracy. Moreover, for assessing quality of the joints a precise labeling of the individual muscles and other structures would be useful. Some investigations on the variability of the spatial locations of the tissues are still needed. The CT collections of pigs from several countries could be helpful. FARM ANIMAL IMAGING DAYS (FANI), 2010, SESSION 4, RENNES, FRANCE, P. 20EU dissection of pig carcass: HamJointing of the ham. During the preparation of the carcass the tail is removed between the 6th and the 7th sacro-coccygeal vertebra (i.e. generally between the 2nd and the 3rd coccygeal vertebra). At the beginning of the jointing procedure, the tenderloin is detached by a transverse cut just before the cranial point of the symphysis pelvina and taken out from the carcass. The side is laid skinside down on the dissection table and is stretched. The leg is separated from loin and belly by a straight cut at a right angle to the longitudinal axis between the last and last but one lumbar vertebra, which normally is between the 5th and the 6th lumbar vertebra. The triangular groin part (to ventral part of the belly) is removed by cutting the rind at the caudal point of the symphysis pelvina in an oblique angle to the natural edge of the leg opposite to the cranial point of the symphysis pelvina ; the cut goes along the m. tensor fasciae latae and through a lymph node (Inn. Inguinales superficiales). To determine the cut between hind shank and leg, a finger is put in the fold between the hind shank and m. gracilis which covers the m. semimembranosus. Proximal of the finger a straight cut is made through the knee joint, to be found by moving the foot and by sticking the knife into the knee joint. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 3Validation of the French equation to predict the lean meat percentage of pig carcasses using the CGM devicePoster. A dissection trial was planned in 2008 in the framework of a periodical check of the equations of the running pig classification methods. The sample of carcasses was stratified according to two factors, region of slaughtering and sex, in the same proportions as in the current French pig slaughtering. Sixty three carcasses were probed with CGM for LMP (Lean Meat Percentage) prediction. The fat depth G2 and muscle depth M2 were measured between the 3rd and 4th last ribs, 6 cm off, parallel to the midline. Then, the carcasses were dissected according to the European reference method (total dissection of the ham, loin, shoulder and belly). The running CGM prediction equation to be checked in the present study and introduced in summer 2008 in the French pig production chain, was: LMPcgm = 62.19 – 0.729 G2 + 0.144 M2, with a residual mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 2.03. Neither significant averaged bias nor local biases were detected in our trial, indicating that the present equation is still valid. Furthermore, the effects of sex and halothane genotype on carcass composition were investigated. Females had a higher LMP (+3.6 %) and M2 (+3.8 mm) and a lower G2 (-3.3 mm) than castrated males. Pigs with Nn Hal genotype had a higher LMP (+3.2%) and a lower G2 (-2.3 mm) than NN pigs. In the near future, the use of X-ray tomography for the evaluation of LMP equations could provide useful information for a better understanding of the main factors influencing body composition in pigs. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 229-230Comparison between computed tomography (CT) and dissection in order to measure the lean meat percentage of pig carcass cutsPoster. Dissection is the European reference method for measuring the lean meat percentage of pigs. Computed tomography (CT), a medical imaging technology, could now replace dissection, if results are comparable. The aim of this study was to compare a French CT procedure with the EU dissection method for measuring cuts’ lean meat percentage. A representative sample of 63 pig left sides was jointed into the four primal cuts. These cuts were CT scanned and then dissected. Image analysis was performed using a very simple method, considering the same threshold for all the images. The best results were firstly for the cuts’ weight, secondly for the cuts’ muscle weight and lastly for the cuts’ lean meat percentage. Nevertheless, for the cuts’ lean meat percentage correlations ranged between 0.95 and 0.98. The regression of dissection on CT has given a residual standard deviation of 0.86 % lean, which corresponds to a relative error of 21 %. The worst results were found for the belly. This study shows that CT can accurately measure the lean meat percentage of the main cuts even with a simple method. Furthermore, this CT procedure could be used for calibrating the French CT in the pig classification framework. Nevertheless, the automation of image treatment and the detection of the different tissues deserve further improvement. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 231-232 |
Food SafetyMeat processing and colon carcinogenesis: Cooked, nitrite-treated and oxidized high-heme cured meat promotes mucin depleted foci in ratsProcessed meat intake is associated with colorectal cancer risk, but no experimental study supports the epidemiologic evidence. To study the effect of meat processing on carcinogenesis promotion, we first did a 14-day study with 16 models of cured meat. Studied factors, in a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 design, were muscle color (a proxy for heme level), processing temperature, added nitrite, and packaging. Fischer 344 rats were fed these 16 diets, and we evaluated fecal and urinary fat oxidation and cytotoxicity, three biomarkers of heme-induced carcinogenesis promotion. A principal component analysis allowed for selection of four cured meats for inclusion into a promotion study. These selected diets were given for 100 days to rats pretreated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Colons were scored for preneoplastic lesions: aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and mucin-depleted foci (MDF). Cured meat diets significantly increased the number of ACF/colon compared with a no-meat control diet (P = 0.002). Only the cooked nitrite-treated and oxidized high-heme meat significantly increased the fecal level of apparent total N-nitroso compounds (ATNC) and the number of MDF per colon compared with the no-meat control diet (P < 0.05). This nitrite-treated and oxidized cured meat specifically increased the MDF number compared with similar nonnitrite-treated meat (P = 0.03) and with similar nonoxidized meat (P = 0.004). Thus, a model cured meat, similar to ham stored aerobically, increased the number of preneoplastic lesions, which suggests colon carcinogenesis promotion. Nitrite treatment and oxidation increased this promoting effect, which was linked with increased fecal ATNC level. This study could lead to process modifications to make nonpromoting processed meat. CANCER PREVENTION RESEARCH, 2010, V. 3, N° 7, OF1-OF13Viral risk associated with pork consumptionIn all countries, the viruses most often implicated in food poisoning transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food are hepatitis A virus, noroviruses and rotaviruses. The main hazard is still the consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked products handled without proper hygiene precautions by an infected person. There is no evidence at present for pig-to-human transmission of any of these three viruses. The main hazardous virus in the pork industry is that of hepatitis E, for which direct transmission from pigs to humans has been demonstrated. Little data is available concerning the impact of processes on viral risk in the pork industry. The concentrations of disinfectants used in the food industry are insufficient in view of the viral risk. Further work is necessary to produce a better assessment of the viral risk through food vectors, in particular the types of virus implicated in the public health domain and their prevalence in the industry branches, the development of reliable virus detection and isolation methods, and the efficacy of processes for the destruction of viruses. To date, the best way to guard against viral risk in the food industry is to observe good hygiene practice. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2009, V. 32, N° 4, JUILLET-AOUT, P. 39-45Probabilistic modeling of Listeria monocytogenes behaviour in diced bacon along the manufacture process chainTo assess the impact of the manufacturing process on the fate of L. monocytogenes, we built a probabilistic model describing successively the different steps of the process. The model was actually designed as a hierarchical Bayesian network leading to the elicitation of human expertise. Contamination evolution was modelled in the adequate units (breasts, dices, then packaging units through the successive process steps). The use of probabilistic modeling allowed taking into account both the process intrinsic variability and parameter variability or uncertainty. Global statistics were deduced, diagrams showing the variability were drawn, and changes on the process were tested to look at the consequences on the final product. 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PREDICTIVE MODELING IN FOODS, WASHINGTON, 8-12 SEPTEMBRE 2009, P. 116-119Design of challenge testing experiments to assess the variability of microbial behaviors in foodsPoster. The assessment of the evolution of microorganisms naturally contaminating food must take into account the variability of biological factors, food characteristics and storage conditions. A research project involving eight French laboratories was conducted to quantify the variability of growth parameters of Listeria monocytogenes obtained by challenge testing in five foods. The residual variability corresponded to a coefficient of variation (CV) of approximately 20% for the growth rate ( μ max ) and 120% for the parameter K (= μ max .lag time). The between batches and between manufacturers variability was very dependent on the food tested and the CV of μ max ranged from 0 to 80%. The initial physiological state variability led to a CV of 110% for the factor K . It appeared that repeating a limited number of challenge tests in different batches/manufacturers for different initial physiological states is often sufficient to assess the variability of the behavior of L. monocytogenes in a given food. 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PREDICTIVE MODELING IN FOODS (ICMF), WASHINGTON, 2009, P. 15-18Modelling microbial competition in foods. Application to the behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes and lactic acid flora in diced baconThe current models developed in predictive microbiology to describe interactions between microflora in foods are reviewed, with a special focus on the Jameson-effect and Lotka-Volterra approaches. One case-study is further explored: modelling the sparse growth of Listeria monocytogenes in diced bacon along the shelf-life. 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PREDICTIVE MODELING IN FOODS, WASHINGTON, 8-12 SEPTEMBRE 2009, P. 100-103Sampling plan optimisation: Application to French diced bacon industry and Listeria monocytogenesWe designed an experimental sampling plan to get knowledge on L. monocytogenes and on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) concentrations on pork breasts after tumbling in a French diced bacon plant. Then, we built a Bayesian model to estimate variability (including between batches-variability) and uncertainty. The results of the model are used to predict L. monocytogenes concentration on breasts after tumbling and could be useful to optimise a sampling plan for industrial own-checks. 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PREDICTIVE MODELING IN FOODS (ICMF), WASHINGTON, 2009, POSTER, P. 288-291Quantification of the effect of factors involved in challenge-test assays on the growth rate estimation of Listeria monocytogenesThis study describes an original interlaboratory trial relative to food challenge-tests conducted by eight French laboratories. The impact of several factors (linked to the type of foodstuff, to biological parameters and to experimental conditions as well as to the laboratory performing the test) on the growth rate of Listeria monocytogenes was quantified. The major factors influencing the growth rate variability were the "manufacturing origin of the product" and the "localization of the inoculum in food". Others factors had effects from moderate to high according to the heterogeneity of the food matrix. The factor "laboratory which managed the challenge-test" was not statistically significant. Good laboratories practices, expertise/knowledge of food challenge-tests methodology permitted to control the laboratory effect on the growth rate estimation of L. monocytogenes. 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PREDICTIVE MODELING IN FOODS (ICMF), WASHINGTON, 2009, POSTER, P. 264-267Efficiency of sampling methods to monitor the bacterial contamination of pork carcasses before and after chillingThe aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of destructive (excision) and non-destructive (swabbing and sponging) sampling methods to enumerate aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae and to detect Salmonella on the surface of pork carcasses. In three slaughterhouses, a total of 720 half-carcasses were sampled before and after chilling. On each half-carcass, four sites were sampled by both destructive and non-destructive techniques, for a respective total surface of 25 and 400 cm 2 . The dispersion of lognormal distributions describing aerobic colony and Enterobacteriaceae counts were not significantly affected by the type of sampling method or by chilling. On the contrary, the mean of bacterial counts was significantly affected by the sampling technique with a better recovery for the destructive method, showing contaminations approximately 1-2 log cfu/cm 2 higher than those obtained with the non-destructive techniques. The same influence was also observed for the detection of Salmonella with concentrations decreased by 0.9 and 1.2 log MPN/cm 2 by sponging and swabbing compared to excision. A significant impact of chilling was observed in two slaughterhouses with bacterial contaminations approximately 1 log cfu/cm 2 lower after chilling, but not for the detection of Salmonella . For the nondestructive techniques, the efficiency of sponging to recover microorganisms was higher than swabbing. Complementary tests performed on 120 refrigerated pork meat cuts, with 2 different types of swabs and sponges, confirmed the better recovery with excision followed by sponging and then swabbing (respectively -0.3 and -0.6 log cfu/cm 2 ). The recovery differences between the 2 types of swab and sponges tested were about 0.1 log cfu/cm 2 . No impact of the surface sampled by excision of 5, 25 and 100 cm 2 was observed a complementary study for aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae , but a negative effect of increasing surface was observed for the detection of Salmonella . These results reinforce the significance of the sampling technique and stage when monitoring process hygiene criteria. 8TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF FOODBORNE PATHOGENS IN PORK, SAFE PORK 2009, QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC, CANADA, POSTERAssessment of public health risks from Salmonella infection in pigs and impact of control measuresThe European Commission has asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to produce a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) on Salmonella in porkers and breeding stock throughout the pig meat food chain, from farm to fork. The EFSA recently published this scientific advisory assessing the public health risks tied to Salmonella in pork meat and the impact of potential control measures. This document looks set to guide European Union policy in finalizing EU-wide regulations governing Salmonella control in the pork industry. Here, we keynote the main conclusions of this report, employing the same format used, i.e. answers to the questions raised by the EFSA. An estimated 10% to 20% of human Salmonella infections across the EU may be attributable to the pig reservoir as a whole, and an 80% to 90% reduction in lymph node prevalence should result in a comparable reduction in the number of human cases attributable to pig meat products. The main control measures proposed are: reduction of Salmonella prevalence in breeder pigs; control of Salmonella contamination in food; control of on-farm environmental contamination by stepping up biosecurity programs. Furthermore, the carcass decontamination process currently used in slaughterhouses in certain EU countries is one of the prevention measures cited as a plus. TECHNIPORC (FRA), 2010, V. 33, N° 3, P. 19-22Yersinia enterocolitica prevalence in the pig and pork industry: First results on pig tonsils from three French slaughterhousesPoster. Pig is the main animal reservoir of human pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica strains. The bacteria can be isolated from its tongue, tonsils or feces. In France, the main pathogenic biotypes are known (4/O:3, 2/O:9 and 3/O:5,27) but few data are available regarding their prevalence in the pork chain. In 2009, a prevalence study was initiated in three slaughterhouses (Brittany and Alsace). The same microbiological method using an ITC enrichment and isolation on CIN agar plates was used in all three laboratories involved. Results showed a Yersinia enterocolitica prevalence ranging from 8 % to 31.8% according to the slaughterhouse. Most strains biotypes were identified by PCR and mainly belonged to types 4/O:3, 2/O:9 or 3/O:5,27. JOURNEES DE LA RECHERCHE PORCINE (FRA), 2010, V. 42, P. 221-222 |
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