scholarly journals Effect of different cleaning procedures on water use and bacterial levels in weaner pig pens

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0242495
Author(s):  
Shilpi Misra ◽  
Corina E. van Middelaar ◽  
Kieran Jordan ◽  
John Upton ◽  
Amy J. Quinn ◽  
...  

Pork is one of the most globally eaten meats and the pig production chain contributes significantly to the water footprint of livestock production. However, very little knowledge is available about the on-farm factors that influence freshwater use in the pig production chain. An experiment was conducted to quantify the effect of three different washing treatments on freshwater use, bacterial levels [(total bacterial counts; TBC), Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus] and cleaning time in washing of pens for weaning pigs. Three weaner rooms were selected with each room having 10 pens and a capacity to hold up to 14 pigs each. Pigs were weaned and kept in the pens for 7 weeks. Finally, the pens were cleaned before the next batch of pigs moved in. The washing treatments used were power washing and disinfection (WASH); presoaking followed by power washing and disinfection (SOAK), and presoaking followed by detergent, power washing and disinfection (SOAK + DETER). A water meter was used to collect water use data and swab samples were taken to determine the bacterial levels. The results showed that there was no overall effect of washing treatments on water use. However, there was an effect of treatment on the washing time (p<0.01) with SOAK and SOAK+DETER reducing the washing time per pen by 2.3 minutes (14%) and 4.2 minutes (27%) compared to WASH. Nonetheless, there was an effect of sampling time (before or after washing) (p<0.001) on the levels of TBC and Staphylococcus, but no effect was seen on Enterobacteriaceae levels. Thus, the washing treatments used in this study had no effect on the water use of the pork production chain. Although there was no difference in both water use and bacterial load, from a producer perspective, presoaking and detergent use can save time and labour costs, so this would be the preferred option.

2020 ◽  
Vol 158 (5) ◽  
pp. 416-430
Author(s):  
H. M. Menendez ◽  
L. O. Tedeschi

AbstractPerception of freshwater use varies between nations and has led to concerns of how to evaluate water use for sustainable food production. The water footprint of beef cattle (WFB) is an important metric to determine current levels of freshwater use and to set sustainability goals. However, current WFB publications provide broad WF values with inconsistent units preventing direct comparison of WFB models. The water footprint assessment (WFA) methodologies use static physio-enviro-managerial equations, rather than dynamic, which limits their ability to estimate cattle water use. This study aimed to advance current WFA methods for WFB estimation by formulating the WFA into a system dynamics methodology to adequately characterize the major phases of the beef cattle industry and provide a tool to identify high-leverage solutions for complex water use systems. Texas is one of the largest cattle producing areas in the United States, a significant water user. This geolocation is an ideal template for WFB estimation in other regions due to its diverse geography, management-cultures, climate and natural resources. The Texas Beef Water Footprint model comprised seven submodels (cattle population, growth, nutrition, forage, WFB, supply chain and regional water use; 1432 state variables). Calibration of our model replicated initial WFB values from an independent study by Chapagain and Hoekstra in 2003 (CH2003). This CH2003 v. Texas production scenarios evaluated model parameters and assumptions and estimated a 41–66% WFB variability. The current model provides an insightful tool to improve complex, unsustainable and inefficient water use systems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 692
Author(s):  
Mona L. V. Larsen ◽  
Meiqing Wang ◽  
Tomas Norton

The assessment of animal welfare on-farm is important to ensure that current welfare standards are followed. The current manual assessment proposed by Welfare Quality® (WQ), although being an essential tool, is only a point-estimate in time, is very time consuming to perform, only evaluates a subset of the animals, and is performed by the subjective human. Automation of the assessment through information technologies (ITs) could provide a continuous objective assessment in real-time on all animals. The aim of the current systematic review was to identify ITs developed for welfare monitoring within the pig production chain, evaluate the ITs developmental stage and evaluate how these ITs can be related to the WQ assessment protocol. The systematic literature search identified 101 publications investigating the development of ITs for welfare monitoring within the pig production chain. The systematic literature analysis revealed that the research field is still young with 97% being published within the last 20 years, and still growing with 63% being published between 2016 and mid-2020. In addition, most focus is still on the development of ITs (sensors) for the extraction and analysis of variables related to pig welfare; this being the first step in the development of a precision livestock farming system for welfare monitoring. The majority of the studies have used sensor technologies detached from the animals such as cameras and microphones, and most investigated animal biomarkers over environmental biomarkers with a clear focus on behavioural biomarkers over physiological biomarkers. ITs intended for many different welfare issues have been studied, although a high number of publications did not specify a welfare issue and instead studied a general biomarker such as activity, feeding behaviour and drinking behaviour. The ‘good feeding’ principle of the WQ assessment protocol was the best represented with ITs for real-time on-farm welfare assessment, while for the other principles only few of the included WQ measures are so far covered. No ITs have yet been developed for the ‘Comfort around resting’ and the ‘Good human-animal relationship’ criteria. Thus, the potential to develop ITs for welfare assessment within the pig production is high and much work is still needed to end up with a remote solution for welfare assessment on-farm and in real-time.


2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (17) ◽  
pp. 5444-5450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riikka Laukkanen ◽  
Pilar Ortiz Martínez ◽  
Kirsi-Maarit Siekkinen ◽  
Jukka Ranta ◽  
Riitta Maijala ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The transmission of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in the pork production chain was followed from farm to slaughterhouse by studying the same 364 pigs from different production systems at farm and slaughterhouse levels. In all, 1,785 samples were collected, and the isolated Y. pseudotuberculosis strains were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The results of microbial sampling were combined with data from an on-farm observation and questionnaire study to elucidate the associations between farm factors and the prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis. Following the same pigs in the production chain from farm to slaughterhouse, we were able to show similar Y. pseudotuberculosis genotypes in live animals, pluck sets (containing tongue, tonsils, esophagus, trachea, heart, lungs, diaphragm, liver, and kidneys), and carcasses and to conclude that Y. pseudotuberculosis contamination originates from the farms, is transported to slaughterhouses with pigs, and transfers to pluck sets and carcasses in the slaughter process. The study also showed that the high prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis in live pigs predisposes carcasses and pluck sets to contamination. When production types and capacities were compared, the prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis was higher in organic production than in conventional production and on conventional farms with high rather than low production capacity. We were also able to associate specific farm factors with the prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis by using a questionnaire and on-farm observations. On farms, contact with pest animals and the outside environment and a rise in the number of pigs on the farm appear to increase the prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis.


2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (8) ◽  
pp. 1513-1526 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. BONARDI

SUMMARYSalmonellaspp. comprise the second most common food-borne pathogens in the European Union (EU). The role of pigs as carriers ofSalmonellahas been intensively studied both on farm and at slaughter.Salmonellainfection in pigs may cause fever, diarrhoea, prostration and mortality. However, most infected pigs remain healthy carriers, and those infected at the end of the fattening period could pose a threat to human health. Contamination of pig carcasses can occur on the slaughter line, and it is linked to cross-contamination from other carcasses and the presence ofSalmonellain the environment. Therefore,Salmonellaserovars present on pig carcasses can be different from those detected in the same bathes on the farm. In recent years,S.Typhimurium,S.Derby andS.serotype 4,[5],12:i:- (a monophasic variant ofS.Typhimurium) have been the most common serovars to be detected in pigs in EU countries, butS.Rissen,S.Infantis,S.Enteritidis andS.Brandenburg have also been reported. In humans, several cases of salmonellosis have been linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked pork and pork products. Among the main serovars of porcine origin detected in confirmed human cases,S.Typhimurium, the monophasic variantS.4,[5],12:i:- andS.Derby are certainly the most important.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 340-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
IRENILZA DE A. NÄÄS ◽  
MARIO MOLLO NETO ◽  
ODUVALDO VENDRAMETTO ◽  
SIMONE A. CANUTO

The adoption of a proper traceability system is being incorporated into meat production practices as a method of gaining consumer confidence. The various partners operating in the chain of meat production can be considered a social network, and they have the common goal of generating a communication process that can ensure each characteristic of the product, including safety. This study aimed to select the most appropriate meat traceability system “from farm to fork” that could be applied to Brazilian beef and pork production for international trade. The research was done in three steps. The first used the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for selecting the best on-farm livestock traceability. In the second step, the actors in the meat production chain were identified to build a framework and defined each role in the network. In the third step, the selection of the traceability system was done. Results indicated that with an electronic traceability system, it is possible to acquire better connections between the links in the chain and to provide the means for managing uncertainties by creating structures that facilitate information flow more efficiently.


2010 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 641-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
SANNA HELLSTRÖM ◽  
RIIKKA LAUKKANEN ◽  
KIRSI-MAARIT SIEKKINEN ◽  
JUKKA RANTA ◽  
RIITTA MAIJALA ◽  
...  

The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the pork production chain was followed from farm to slaughterhouse by examining the farm and slaughterhouse levels in the same 364 pigs, and finally by analyzing the cut meats from the same pig lots. Both organic and conventional farms were included in the study. Altogether, 1,962 samples were collected, and the 424 L. monocytogenes isolates were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The results from microbial analyses were combined with data from an on-farm observation and a questionnaire to clarify the associations between farm factors and prevalence of L. monocytogenes. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes was 11, 1, 1, 24, 5, 1, and 4% in feed and litter, rectal swabs, intestinal contents, tonsils, pluck sets (including lungs, heart, liver, and kidney), carcasses, and meat cuts, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in organic than in conventional pig production at the farm and slaughterhouse level, but not in meat cuts. Similar L. monocytogenes genotypes were recovered in different steps of the production chain in pigs originating from the same farm. Specific farm management factors, i.e., large group size, contact with pet and pest animals, manure treatment, use of coarse feed, access to outdoor area, hygiene practices, and drinking from the trough, influenced the presence of L. monocytogenes in pigs. L. monocytogenes was present in the production chain, and transmission of the pathogen was possible throughout the chain, from the farm to pork. Good farm-level practices can therefore be utilized to reduce the prevalence of this pathogen.


Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2546
Author(s):  
Haohan Xing ◽  
Weichao Zheng ◽  
Baoming Li ◽  
Zhidan Liu ◽  
Yuanhui Zhang

Egg production and consumption of eggs in China account for about 40% of the global total, and this constitutes a significant demand for water resources. The shortage of water resources in China means egg production in this country has serious water challenges. However, there are few studies concerning water use in egg production. In this study, the water footprint network (WFN) methodology was applied to analyze the water footprint (WF) of intensive egg production using a typical parent-stock layer breeder farm in North China as a model, which raises 208,663 layer breeders and produces about 2791.39 t eggs per year. The feed and water consumption over 353 days were collected for analysis, and the water footprint of chicken eggs was estimated at the farm level. The water footprint of eggs in a parent-stock layer breeder farm in China was therefore assessed in detail for the first time, and suggestions are put forward to reduce the egg water footprint from the perspective of the production chain and improving water use efficiency on the farm. The results show that (1) the green WF of eggs (water volume/egg weight) ranged from 1.917 to 2.114 m3/kg, the blue WF was 0.584 to 0.644 m3/kg and the grey WF was 0.488 to 0.538 m3/kg; (2) the indirect WF generated by feed contributed over 99.8% of the total; (3) eggs laid by Hy-line Brown hens have a lower WF than those from Hy-line Sonia hens, and the studied layer breeder farm had a higher WF than the global average based on the literature. In this paper, the variation of the WF was also analyzed, and some advice on water management for layer farms in China is provided.


Author(s):  
B. Khakhula

The article is devoted to the study systematization of the directions of state support for pig production in the countries with intensive pig production which includes the following tools: subsidies, interest rate subsidies; research funding; insurance, preferential lending; compensation for material and production costs; price regulation; government interventions. It is established that state regulation in pigs breeding in the leading countries of the world is focused on ensuring intensive development of the industry, ensuring the animals productivity, as well as strict adherence to environmental requirements. World's leading producers tend to obtain lean pork due to consumer preferences which has led to a change in approaches in the entire production chain organization, from the revision of vectors of pigs breeding and feeding to technological innovations in the field of the processing, transportation and distribution. It was found out that the increase in pig production in the leading countries of the world is provided through the advances in animal breeding and genetics. Breeding programs of the world's leading countries are characterized by a tendency to consolidate breeding material in the global market of genetic resources, where pork production is innovative and integrated. Several multinational genetic companies dominate in the supply chain. Effective use of modern methods of animal reproduction makes it possible to store genetic material long-term and transport it to any place in the world, which enables to increase the sales of breeding products and inter-firm exchange of frozen sperm and embryos. The market of genetic resources is characterized by intensive trade and intensification of international competition between national breeding companies as well as the transition from national and regional breeding programs to the purchasing breeding material from multinational companies. Analysis of world experience in breeding programs and state support for pig breeding shows that the use of modern information technology and the development of information analytical support of breeding work with tribal recording as an important element can be the basic factors in accelerating the breeding process and increasing the efficiency of pig breeding in Ukraine. Key words: pork production, world export and import of pork, pork production organizing, pig breeding, pig breeds, pig breeding world associations, state support.


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9700
Author(s):  
Prapas Patchanee ◽  
Prawitchaya Tanamai ◽  
Phacharaporn Tadee ◽  
Matthew D. Hitchings ◽  
Jessica K. Calland ◽  
...  

Background Monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium or S. enterica 1,4,[5],12:i:- is among the top five serotypes reported in Thailand. In this study, nineteen monophasic S. Typhimurium from the pig production chain in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces during 2011–2014 were sequenced and compared to a globally disseminated clone. Isolates were probed in silico for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and Salmonella virulence factors, including Pathogenicity Islands. Results All isolates were from sequence type 34 (ST-34) and clustered similarly in core and pangenome genealogies. The two closest related isolates showed differences in only eighteen loci from whole-genome multilocus sequence typing analysis. All 19 isolates carried aminoglycoside and beta-lactam class resistance genes and genes for five or more different antibiotic classes. Seven out of 14 known SPIs were detected, including SPI-5, SPI-13 and SPI-14, which were detected in all isolates. Conclusions The multi-drug resistant clone, ST-34 was sampled at all stages of pork production. This clone has infiltrated global agricultural processes and poses a significant public health risk. Differences in the core and accessory genomes of the isolates we collected suggest that strains persist though the pork production process, with evidence of mutation within the core-genome and horizontal acquisition of genes, potentially via sharing of pathogenicity islands and plasmids. This highlights the importance of surveillance and targeted intervention measures to successfully control Salmonella contamination.


2002 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 2376-2381 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. S. Hurd ◽  
J. D. McKean ◽  
R. W. Griffith ◽  
I. V. Wesley ◽  
M. H. Rostagno

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to compare, by using identical sample types, the Salmonella enterica prevalences and serovar diversities between pigs necropsied on the farm and those necropsied at the abattoir after transport and holding. We necropsied 567 market weight pigs (>70 kg) from six herds. Pigs were alternately assigned to be necropsied on the farm or at the abattoir. One-half of the group was sent in clean, disinfected trailers to slaughter at a commercial abattoir. After transport (mean distance, 169 km) and 2 to 3 h of holding in antemortem pens, these pigs were necropsied. The 50 pigs remaining on the farm were necropsied the following day. The same sample types and amounts were collected for S. enterica culture at both locations. Results show a sevenfold-higher (P < 0.001) S. enterica isolation rate from pigs necropsied at the abattoir (39.9%; 114 of 286) than from those necropsied on the farm (5.3%; 15 of 281). This difference was also observed for each individual herd. All sample types showed a significantly higher prevalence when comparing abattoir to on-farm collection, respectively: lymph nodes, 9.15 versus 3.6%; cecal contents, 13.6 versus 1.8%; 1 g of fecal matter, 25.2 versus 0.7%. Recovery of additional serovars at the abattoir suggests the pigs are receiving S. enterica from extra-farm sources. This study demonstrates that rapid infection during transport, and particularly during holding, is a major reason for increased S. enterica prevalence in swine. This finding identifies the holding pen as an important S. enterica control point in the pork production chain.


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