THE LAND — JUNE 26/JULY 3, 2020
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 13
Nursery pigs adapted to water with varied characteristics SWINE & U, from pg. 11 growth performance and/or health compared with pigs consuming water C. However, a consistent definition of “good” and “bad” water for pigs defined by controlled experiments has not been determined. So, we conducted a research project with the help of pork producers and water industry experts designed to evaluate effects of water quality on nursery pigs. The similarities in average daily gain and average daily feed intake across waters resulted in no effect of water quality on feed efficiency of Figure 1: Effects of water quality on pig performance nursery pigs. The number of pigs treated with antibiotics and number of injections administered during the experiment were not different among water qualities A, B and C, nor were the number of pigs which died during the experiment (Figure 2). In summary, the “good” and “poor” water evaluated in this study resulted in no differences in nursery pig growth performance or health status. These observations demonstrate that under the conditions of this experiment, nursery pigs adapted to drinking water with a wide range of characteristics. However, in a commercial setting, cleanliness and maintenance of the water distribution system, interactions between water characterFigure 2: Effects of water quality on pig morbidity and mortality istics and medications delivered in
water, and health status of the pigs might influence the quality of water delivered to the pig or the pigs’ response to that water and ultimately affect pig performance and health. We appreciate the financial support of the Minnesota Pork Board, Christensen Family Farms of Sleepy Eye, Minn., and the cooperation from the many pig farmers who contributed in different ways throughout the study. References CCME (Canadian Council of Minister of the Environment). 1987. Canadian Water Quality Guidelines. Ottawa: Environment Canada. CCME. 2005. Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the protection of agricultural water uses. Ottawa: Environment Canada. McLeese, J.M., M.L. Tremblay, J.F. Patience, and G.I. Christison. 1992. “Water intake patterns in the weanling pig: Effect of water quality, antibiotics and probiotics.” Animal Production 54:135-142. NRC (National Research Council). 1974. “Nutrient and Toxic Substances in Water for Livestock and Poultry.” Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. v
Rotational grazing preserves pasture, lowers feed costs FOLEY, Minn. — Horses can be an expensive endeavor. Providing quality feed is one of the horse owner’s biggest expenses. Pastures can help to reduce feed costs, but one of the best ways to save is by the proper use of rotational grazing. Rotational grazing is simply taking one large pasture and breaking it up into two or more smaller pastures. This forces the animals to more uniformly graze down an area and be less damaging to the pasture plants. The better the quality of your pastures, the less amount of supplemental feed you will need to provide in the form of grain or hay. By implementing an effective rotational practice, you will ensure that your horses are well fed and your pasture maintains itself with little intervention.
into a pasture during its prime grazing time. Putting them in too late or leaving them too long will be detrimental to the pasture as well as to its nutritional value.
change the pasture as needed also prevents specific areas of highly desirable foliage from being trampled and crushed due to high traffic from your horses.
There are multiple ways to set up and maintain This article was submitted by Brenda Postels, a rotational system. However, it is most effectively University of Minnesota Extension. v done with electric fencing. This can either be a permanent fence or a temporary fence. Electric fence is economical, flexible, and easy to install in multiple terrains. It is also safe for horses and other livestock. Many people use a permanent electric fence around the perimeter and then use tempo• 6 Year rary electric fencing to divide the section into • Lowest Rates Warranty • Quality smaller areas.
Temporary fencing allows for more efficient use of the land during wet seasons in which certain It is especially important to ensure you are moni- areas may flood, while taking advantage of drier toring the pasture growth and putting your horses more prolific growth in other areas. The ability to
C & C STEEL ROOFING
Workmanship • Insured
• Free Estimates
CALL Clint 507-528-2243 Specializing in applying ribbed steel to barns, garages and outbuildings.
