March 29, 2004                                                                                   Volume 1 - Number 2

 

 

Calendar                     

April 2              Swine Producer Clinic, SE Farm near Beresford (DDGS & Biofilters)

 1:30 - 4:00 PM

May 22            SD Feeder Pig Derby, SDSU Animal Science Arena, Brookings

June 10-12       World Pork Expo, Des Moines, IA

July 30             SD Summer Spotlight Show, Huron

September 4-6 SD State Fair 4-H, FFA, & Feeder pig swine shows, Huron

 

 

Variations in Protein, Amino Acid, and Phosphorus Digestibilities from DDGS from 4 Ethanol Plants

 

With the increasing price of soybean meal, pork producers are looking for alternate protein sources, and Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is one locally produced alternative that is receiving a great deal of attention.  As long as it’s properly formulated into the diet, DDGS works well in swine diets (see the last issue).  However, there is a concern about the variation in nutrient levels and digestibilities among different sources of DDGS.  In order to better understand the situation, researchers at SDSU conducted an experiment to determine the apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) of crude protein, amino acids, and phosphorus of DDGS from 4 different ethanol plants in SD and MN.  Using 150 lb barrows, they found that AID for protein ranged from 58.1 to 78.6%, the average AID for the 10 indispensable amino acids ranged from 63.1 to 82.67%, and lysine AID ranged from 51.3 to 75.7% among the 4 DDGS sources.  Also, phosphorus AID ranged from 35.7 to 52.4% among the four sources.  These variations are probably caused by differences in production and processing methods between the 4 ethanol plants.  However, they make it very difficult to choose the proper nutrient values when incorporating DDGS into the diets, even when the total amounts of these nutrients are known in a sample.  The best option for producers is to buy DDGS from just one plant and then work with them to get as much information as possible before formulating diets.  Also, it would be a good idea to use conservative values when initially using DDGS to avoid any problems in performance.

 

Source: H. H. Stein, S. Connott, M. Boersma, L. Geraets, G. Petersen, and C. Mateo. SDSU Department of Animal and Range Sciences. 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

Effects of adding distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS) to gestation and

lactation diets on reproductive performance in sows

 

A two-parity study utilizing 93 sows was conducted to determine the effects of diets

containing 50% DDGS in gestation and 20% DDGS in lactation on sow reproductive

performance. Sows were allotted based on parity and initial BW to a corn-soybean meal

gestation diet (GC) or GC + 50% DDGS (GDG), and a corn-soybean lactation diet (LC)

or LC + 20% DDGS (LDG) in a 2 X 2 arrangement of treatments.  Sows remained on their respective diets through two reproductive cycles (RC1 and RC2). No differences in sow gestation weight gain, pigs born alive per litter, and litter birth weight were observed

between sows fed GC and GDG. Dietary treatment combination had no effect on litter

size or litter weight at weaning for RC1, but sows fed GC/LC weaned fewer pigs per

litter during RC2 (P < .05). Pre-weaning piglet mortality was higher (P < .05) for sows

fed GDG/LDG compared to other treatments during RC1, but dietary treatment

combinations had no effect during RC2. Sows fed GC/LDG in RC1 had lower lactation

feed intake (P < .01), which primarily occurred within the first 7 d of lactation, but this

effect was not observed during RC2. Wean-to-estrus interval was higher (P < .001) for

sows fed the GC/LC diet combination compared to sows fed the GDG/LDG and

GDG/LC diet combinations (5.8 vs. 4.8 and 4.4d,) during RC1, but was not observed

during RC2.  These results suggest that feeding a gestation diet containing

50% DDGS will support satisfactory reproductive performance, but feeding a 20%

DDGS lactation diet may reduce feed intake if sows were fed a corn-soybean meal diet

during gestation.

 

Source: J.A. Wilson, M.H. Whitney, G.C. Shurson, and S.K. Baidoo. University of Minnesota (http://www.ddgs.umn.edu/research-swine.htm)

 

Gilt Development and Previous Lactation Length Influence on Subsequent Born Alive.       

A Swine Vet Center review.  The objective of this article was to look at gilt development and lactation length influence on subsequent litter size.  Production records show herds historically at higher levels of production will have born alive averages as high as 11.3 for parity 1 animals, 11.8 born alive for the total herd, and 26 pigs/sow/year.  Average herds are at or below 10.5 pigs born alive for parity 1 animals, 11.3 born alive for total herd, and 24 pigs/sow/year.  Upper level producers bred gilts older than 220 days and over 300 lbs, while average producers bred gilts under 210 days of age, and at less than 270 lbs.

Total herd born alive has a correlation with expected gain of .10 subsequent born alive for each additional day of previous lactation length.  Parity 1 lactation length shows a lower correlation to parity 2 born alive, however, the remaining parities show a strong correlation here.  Ways to increase lactation length include multiple wean days per week, adding farrowing crates, better farrowing crate utilization, or modifying sow inventory.

Swine Vet Center Take:
1) There are also benefits of better % bred by 7 days, shorter wean to first service intervals, and better sow conception rates after longer lactation lengths.
2) Every extra day of lactation not only affects future sow performance, but perhaps even bigger gains are realized in nursery and finishing performance, especially ADG and death loss. 
3) Often these things can be done in the current system with little added cost. Better farrowing crate utilization and modifying sow herd inventory can be done with little added cost.  Some producers have reduced the breeding inventory to increase lactation length and used the extra gestation space to better manage gilts.
4) You can skip P1’s – giving you better total born on P2’s and farrowing just a few less sows. Studies need to be done on a full skip vs. a partial skip using Matrix.
5) By getting gilt age correct and acclimatizing to gestation stalls and using longer lactation lengths, farms may be able to produce the same number of pigs on a smaller inventory.

Himmelberg L., Rathje T.  Gilt Development and Previous Lactation Length Influence on Subsequent Born Alive.  AASV Proceedings.  2004.  p 218.  Courtesy of PorkNet Daily Update

 

Monthly Lean Hog Market Review (March 15, 2004)

Comments:  Prices have continued their seasonal increase in recent months. The seasonal peak in feeder pig prices can be any of the first four months of the year. The weekly pattern of feeder pig prices shows a trend that is still increasing.

The latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates were revised slightly higher for 2004. Although production has been higher than anticipated, imports are expected to ease supply pressure on price. The latest projection reflects a range that is below the futures market for the remainder of 2004. Based on fundamentals, the pattern suggests that some pricing be done or protection placed, especially for the second and third quarters.

Regionally prices are again under pressure. The location basis for Sioux Falls was much wider than the 5-year average during February. The location basis is the difference between the Sioux Falls cash price for the month (converted to a carcass equivalent price) minus the average of the CME lean hog index for the month. The basis was wider than average for much of the latter half of 2003.

The final major trends have been the simultaneous increases in hog, corn, and soybean prices in recent months. During the final months of 2003 hogs purchased on “other market formulas” traded at a level higher than the average price paid at that time. Hogs purchased on “swine or pork market formulas” traded at a level lower than the average price. The trend reversed itself during early 2004. Using data from AMS prior day slaughtered swine reports, the price for “other market formula” hogs has not kept pace with the increase in price for formula hogs tied to swine or pork markets. The “other market formula” hogs price has also not kept pace with the weighted average price paid across purchase types. Other market formulas are often pegged to corn and soybean meal prices. The Swine Contract Library, http://scl.gipsa.usda.gov/, contains details of different formulas currently in use. While the input prices have increased, demand for hogs has increased too. Formulas pegged to input prices tend to only pay a percent of the spread between cost and the market price for hogs, which may explain why the “other market formula” price is lower than the average price at this time.  (To see the complete article with graphics, go to http://econ.sdstate.edu/Extension/HOGS.htm).

Source:  Matthew Diersen, SDSU Extension Economics (Matthew_Diersen@sdstate.edu)

 

Efficacy of straw and synthetic lagoon covers in reducing odor 

Research conducted in Alberta shows, while straw and synthetic lagoon covers are both effective in reducing odor emissions, each has advantages and disadvantages. A review of existing research was conducted by Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development's Ag Tech Centre, to help producers decide whether to opt for a straw or a synthetic lagoon cover.  Engineer-in-training Brian Sexton says straw lagoon covers can reduce odor by as much as 75 percent while synthetic covers tend to achieve about 95 percent odor reduction. 

Straw covers need to be 10-12” thick and can utilize locally grown materials.  However, producers who use straw covers may have to purchase a chopper pump when emptying the lagoon to avoid problems during land application.  One of the biggest advantages of straw covers is its cost, which is about $.02 per square foot to apply.

Synthetic covers range in cost from $.65-.95 per square foot.  However, the larger the area that needs covering, the lower cost per square foot it will be.  A major advantage of synthetic covers is their extended life compared to straw covers.

Source: Sask Pork/ Farmscape #1462/ Bruce Cochrane, March 8, 2004
Source URL: http://www3.saskpork.com/farmscape-saskpork-showarchive.asp?id=1992 Courtesy of PorkNet Daily Update

 

North Carolina Hog Farms No Threat To Water Quality 

North Carolina’s hog production took off in the late 1980s and early 1990s for a variety of reasons. The center of the expansion was in Sampson and Duplin counties, side-by-side counties drained by two river—the Black and Northeast Cape Fear.   In the decade between 1985-95, the number of hogs in the two watersheds jumped from 500,000 to 5.5 million. Just two years later, the area was home to 10 percent of the total U.S. swine population. The remainder of the state’s hogs (about 2 million) are found in the coastal plain.

Along with the increase in hogs came an increase in fear. In 1995, the Raleigh News & Observer ran a five-article series titled “Boss Hog: North Carolina’s Pork Revolution.” The series examined the growth of the industry and questioned its impact on the environment, among other things.  However, Duke researchers in 2000 noted that nitrogen levels in the Neuse River estuary have actually declined in the previous 22 years, and that phosphorus levels have fallen as well.  Data from the North Carolina Dept of Environment and Natural Resources has shown that water quality within and downstream of the hog farming areas is as good now as it was before hog expansion in the area.  Despite 10 times the number of hogs, no increase in nutrients has occurred, no lessening of dissolved oxygen levels, and no jump in sediment loads has occurred.

Source: Heartland Institute/ Environment News/ Dennis T. Avery and Alex Avery, March 2, 2004.  Courtesy of PorkNet Daily Update.
Source URL: http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=14556

 

SD Feeder Pig Derby Sale to be on Saturday, May 22nd

The SD Feeder Pig Derby Show and Sale will take place on Saturday, May 22 at the Animal Science Arena on the SDSU campus in Brookings.  Crossbred pigs will be exhibited in pens of 6 and purebred animals exhibited in pens of 4.  There is no minimum weight, but there is a maximum weight of 100 lbs.  All producers are invited to bring pigs to the show &  sale.  The show and judging contest take place in the morning, and the feeder pig sale will occur in the afternoon.  Pigs purchased at the sale are eligible to go the SD State Fair and be exhibited at the SD Feeder Pig Show immediately following the FFA show on Monday September 6th. These animals will also be eligible to be shown in the appropriate 4-H and FFA categories at the SD State Fair. 

 

Source:  Kelly Bruns, SDSU Animal & Range Science Dept.  (Kelly_bruns@sdstate.edu  or 605-688-5452)

 

 

Dates set for the 2004 SD State Fair 4-H, FFA, and Breeding Swine Shows

 

The Market and Breeding Swine check-ins will occur on Saturday, September 4th from 8am to 4pm.  All swine need to be penned by noon Saturday.  The 4-H Market Swine Show is Sunday, September 5th starting at 7:00am.  The 4-H Breeding Swine Show will follow the Market Swine Show.  The FFA Show will occur on Monday, September 6th starting at 7:30am, with the SD Feeder Pig Derby immediately following.  The 4-H Senior Swine Showmanship Contest will be held on Monday Afternoon at 3:00pm.

 

Source:  Matt Gunderson, SDSU 4-H (605-688-4167 or gunderson.matt@ces.sdstate.edu)

 

New Opportunity for SD Youth to Show Livestock

 

The SD Summer Spotlight Show has been developed to give SD youth a new opportunity to show hogs, cattle, and sheep.  The show runs July 30th through August 1st, and will be held at the SD State Fairgrounds in Huron, SD.  There will be premiums for Division and Breed Champions, as well as Class winners.  The premiums and entry fees will be determined for each specie by a committee for that specific specie.  For more information, contact Kelly Bruns (605-688-5452) or Ben Olsen (605-660-2828).

 

Source:  Kelly Bruns, SDSU Animal & Range Science Dept.  (Kelly.bruns@sdstate.edu or 605-688-5452)

 

 

 

 

For comments or questions about this newsletter or if you want to subscribe, contact Dr. Bob Thaler, SDSU Extension Swine Specialist at 605-688-5011 or robert.thaler@sdstate.edu.