3727 research projects
Research project
Environmental enrichment for sucker and weaner pigs: the effect of enrichment block shape on the behavioural interaction by pigs with the blocks
Australian Pork (APL)
An enrichment block containing sugar beet pulp (SBP), originally developed as an enrichment device for sows during gestation, was reduced in size and thus weight to suit sucker and weaner pigs. It was concluded that oro-basal contact by sucker pigs with the blocks predominately commenced in the fourth week of...
1 Mar 2016 - 1 Dec 2016
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Research project
Investigating the proportion of gilt progeny which enter the breeding herd
Australian Pork (APL)
Gilt progeny have lighter birthweights, slower growth rates and higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to sow progeny. There is minimal data to show that effects these characteristics may have on the future reproductive performance and longevity of these progeny and whether it is economically viable to include them...
1 Sep 2015 - 31 May 2016
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Research project
Commercially-viable strategies to reduce the acute pain of tail docking in piglets
Australian Pork (APL)
There is increasing pressure from animal welfare groups to provide pain relief for elective husbandry procedures such as tail docking of piglets. This project examined commercially-viable strategies to reduce the acute pain of tail docking in piglets.
24 Nov 2013 - 3 Dec 2015
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Research project
Assessment and amelioration of pain for improved welfare during routine husbandry procedures in piglets
Australian Pork (APL)
Routine husbandry procedures for management of piglets include tail-docking, teeth clipping, ear notching and castration. These procedures are widely recognised as painful although detailed work on assessment of pain and the welfare concerns that they incur is yet to be extensively documented in piglets. Furthermore, practical and affordable options for...
7 Nov 2013 - 7 Jul 2015
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Research project
Optimising particle size distribution for grains and protein sources
Australian Pork (APL)
Grain processing and particle size is one of the biggest factors affecting how efficient pigs are in utilising the grains within their diet. This project evaluated the particle size distributions of milled grains currently used in feeds by both large and small producers. Trials were completed to test whether variations...
1 Aug 2016 - 1 Jan 2016
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Research project
Pilot prevalence survey of Toxoplasma gondii in sow meat
Australian Pork (APL)
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is recognised as a human foodborne hazard associated with pigs in Australia. However, the consumer risk from consumption of pig meats has remained undefined. The purpose of the project was to undertake a study to quantify the relative incidence of Toxoplasma in the Australian pork industry....
15 Oct 2014 - 7 Aug 2015
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Research project
Developing commerically-viable, confinement-free farrowing and lactation systems
Australian Pork (APL)
Farrowing crates can improve the welfare of neonatal pigs by providing warmth and reducing the risk of piglets becoming cold, dying from starvation, or being overlain by the sow. However, these crates restrict the ability of the sow to move around and perform pre-farrowing behaviours such as nest-site selection, nest...
1 Jan 2012 - 31 Mar 2015
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Research project
Lysine titration in finisher pigs - commerical validation
Australian Pork (APL)
The modern pig has an increased requirement for amino acids relative to energy to allow building of protein for lean growth. Lysine is the first limiting amino acid in pigs diets, and it is common to include synthetic lysine to allow their requirements to be met. It is crucial to...
10 Dec 2012 - 1 Oct 2013
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Research project
Validation of on-farm pig welfare indices
Australian Pork (APL)
The current project was performed to examine the external validity and intra- and inter-observer reliability of three modified animal-based welfare indices and their modified methodologies recommended for a simpler and more practical on-farm assessment of body condition, lameness and injury in group-housed pigs. Once validated, the modified welfare indices will...
25 Nov 2013 - 2 Dec 2014
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Research project
Sludge handling and Management
Australian Pork (APL)
Sludge accumulates in various waste management ponds at piggeries and cattle feedlots. Eventually, this sludge needs to be removed and handled. Many existing piggery ponds are reaching the point where sludge removal is becoming a pressing issue. Another issue has arisen recently with the use of covered treatment ponds to...
24 Sep 2012 - 21 May 2014
Australian Capital Territory, Australia