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Mielke Market Weekly
SWINE & U, from pg. 11
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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 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 characteristics and medications delivered in
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.
It is especially important to ensure you are monitoring the pasture growth and putting your horses 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.
There are multiple ways to set up and maintain a rotational system. However, it is most effectively 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 temporary electric fencing to divide the section into smaller areas.
Temporary fencing allows for more efficient use of the land during wet seasons in which certain areas may flood, while taking advantage of drier more prolific growth in other areas. The ability to
Figure 1: Effects of water quality on pig performance
Figure 2: Effects of water quality on pig morbidity and mortality 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
Rotational grazing preserves pasture, lowers feed costs
Press. v 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.
This article was submitted by Brenda Postels, University of Minnesota Extension. v
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May milk production down as producers curtail output
This column was written for the marketmilk cows based on improved expectaing week ending June 19. tions.”
U.S. milk production took a hit in May, n MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY By Lee Mielke MARKETING Milk powder powered the June 16 Global Dairy Trade auction as the weighted average was up 1.9 percent following a 0.1 percent gain on June 2. Skim milk powder led the gains, up 3.1 percent, following a 0.5 percent slip last time. Whole milk powder was up 2.2 percent after gaining 2.1 percent; and GDT cheddar was up 1.4 percent after dropping 5.3 percent last time. Lactose inched 0.4 percent higher and anhydrous milkfat was up 0.8 percent following a 2.9 percent descent last time. Butter was the only decline, down 1 percent, after dropping 4.4 percent last time. FC Stone equated GDT 80 percent butterfat butter to $1.5920 per pound U.S., down 1.5 cents from the last event. Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter closed June 19 at $1.85. GDT cheddar equated to $1.6469 per pound, up a nickel, and compares to June 19’s CME block cheddar at a world-high $2.65. Skim milk powder averaged $1.1834 per pound, up from $1.1477, and whole milk powder averaged $1.2833, up from $1.2522. CME Grade A likely driven by falling milk prices due to the pandemic and reduction programs mandated by milk handlers. Preliminary data in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest Milk Production report showed May output at 18.84 billion pounds. This is down 1.1 percent from May 2019 and the first shortfall since June 2019. Output in the top 24 producing states was 18 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2019. Revisions lowered the original April 50-state total by 47 million pounds, now put at 18.65 billion, up 1.2 percent from April 2019, instead of the reported 1.4 percent. May cow numbers totaled 9.37 million head in the 50 states, down 11,000 from April, but 37,000 above a year ago. Output per cow averaged 2,011 pounds, down 31 pounds from a year ago or 1.5 percent. California output was down 52 million pounds, or 1.5 percent from a year ago on 4,000 fewer cows and a 25-pound drop per cow. Wisconsin was down 82 million pounds, or 3.1 percent, on 12,000 fewer cows and a 45-pound drop per cow.
Idaho, one of seven states in the top 24 showing nonfat dry milk closed June 19 at $1.0325 per an increase in output, was up 4.8 percent, thanks to pound. 27,000 more cows and 10 pounds more per cow. Michigan was off 0.4 percent on a 25-pound drop per cow, but had 3,000 more cows than a year ago. Minnesota was down 1.9 percent on a 15-pound loss per cow and 5,000 fewer cows. New Mexico had the biggest decrease, down 7.2 percent, on a 185 pound per cow plunge, a result of reduction measures, but cow numbers were up 4,000 head. CME cheddar blocks started the third week of June Dairy Month losing 2 cents and stayed there until June 19 when they rocketed up 15 cents on three unfilled bids to a new record high $2.65 per pound. This is up 13 cents on the week and 82.50 cents above a year ago. The barrels finished at $2.2850, down 4.75 cents on the week, 54.75 cents above a year ago, and 36.50 cents below the blocks.
New York was down 3.7 percent on a 75-pound Trading activity saw seven cars of block sold on the loss per cow and 1,000 fewer cows. Oregon was week at the CME and six of barrel. unchanged with 2,000 more cows offsetting a 30-pound drop per cow. Pennsylvania was down 3 percent on 10,000 fewer cows and a 20-pound loss per cow. Texas was up just 1.9 percent despite milking 25,000 more cows; but output per cow was down 50 pounds. Vermont was down 6.4 percent on a 75-pound drop per cow and 3,000 fewer cows. Washington State was off 0.5 percent on a n Most Midwestern cheesemakers continue to report six and seven-day workweeks and mid-week spot milk prices were at least 50 cents over Class. Pizza cheese producers report gains in customer activity as more pizza shops report stronger sales numbers. 20-pound drop per cow, but cow numbers were up Some western contacts say they are running more 1,000 head. milk through cheese vats than ever before. Retail The May Slaughter report will be issued June 25, but dairy cow slaughter was relatively high in April according to the latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook. A total of 279,400 head were culled, up 10,900 from April 2019. But slaughter rates fell below those of the previous year for the weeks ending May 9 through May 30, according to the Outlook which stated, “As butter and cheese prices rose, demand has remained strong. Food service accounts are still below seasonal purchase levels, but buyers are trying hard to refill the pipeline. That, plus the surge of government purchases, keeps production at full capacity, with some at over 125 percent. The down side is that U.S. cheese prices have risen to a point where they are not as competitive as the EU, so exports are slowing. some dairy farmers likely made decisions to retain The Dairy and Food Market Analyst reports cheese processors are reluctant to produce unlimited product for fear of having to write-down inventory values. The Analyst says, “Customers are balking at record costs and postponing orders.”
“Historic prices are the outcome of a historic supply-demand imbalance,” the Analyst added. “This week, we found more evidence to uncover the drivers of this unusual event. While the industry has focused its attention on foodservice companies ‘restocking,’ new data available this week points to an idea that most think is an impossibility: limitedservice restaurants (heavy cheese users) are experiencing above year-ago sales at the same time that retail sales of cheese are up double-digits. Because of the strength of total cheese demand, we now think cheese prices will remain well supported through much of July.”
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Cash butter fell to $1.80 per pound on June 17, but closed two days later at $1.85. This is 2 cents lower on the week and 54 cents below a year ago on 25 sales.
Central butter makers tell Dairy Market News cream remains out of their fiscal reach. Bulk butter offers are quiet and butter availability is a concern, in general. A growing number of butter marketers are concerned about inventories coming into the fall.
Retail butter sales are solid in the west. Export interests have declined as U.S. butter does not have a competitive advantage. Butter sales in food service are steady to still sluggish depending on the area. Some restaurant owners have no interest in reopening, says Dairy Market News, despite the easing of phase restrictions.
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Grade A nonfat dry milk climbed to a June 19 close of $1.0325 per pound. This is up 2.75 cents on the week, but 1.25 cents below a year ago. Thirtythree cars sold on the week.
Dry whey closed at 32.75 cents per pound, 1.5 cents higher on the week, but 1.5 cents below a year ago, as the increased cheese production results in increased whey output. Twenty-five cars exchanged hands on the week at the CME. n
Checking demand, USDA’s latest data shows cheese disappearance plummeted in April due to the crash in foodservice demand. HighGround Dairy points out that domestic and export demand were both lower in the month.
“The year-over-year decline was easily the steepest on record (data back to 1995),” says HighGround Dairy, “and was the lowest of any month since May 2016. Total disappearance was down 119.1 million pounds vs. the prior month, consistent with the 108 million pound monthly stocks build in April.”
