Pork
Manitoba is the largest pig producing and exporting province in Canada comprising approximately 30% of all pig production nationally. Hogs are the second largest source of farm cash receipts in Manitoba.
The swine industry in Manitoba exports approximately 47% of all the pigs born on farm, leaving the remainder to be primarily processed in one of three federally inspected abattoirs or in one of the many provincial abattoirs. Meat processing employs approximately 4000 and makes up almost 40% (in 2012 approximately $1.5 billion) of the total food and beverage processing that occurs in Manitoba, the majority of this is attributed to pork.
The following links are a helpful start to exploring pork production in Manitoba Codes of Practice, Farm Practices Guidelines for Pig Producers in Manitoba, Upcoming Manitoba Swine Seminar, Manitoba Swine Updates Newsletter, Pork in Manitoba, Canadian Hog Statistics and Archives.
Breeding and Reproduction
Successful hog production begins with excellent breeding. It is of the utmost importance that producers get their sows and gilts bred in a timely and efficient manner and that they support the health and welfare of their pregnant animals, and their offspring.
- AI and its Influence on Production Efficiency
- Return to Estrous Delayed?
- Canadian Swine Breeders Association
Feeds and Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the three key areas of importance in rearing pigs. Ensuring that pigs have access to proper nutrition and clean, fresh water is the foundation of having a successful swine operation.- Checklist to Determine Causes of Shortfalls in Feed Intake
- Evaluating Water Quality for Livestock
- Livestock Water Quality - A Field Guide for Cattle, Horses, Poultry and Swine
- Feeding Fusarium-Contaminated Grain to Livestock
- Improved Profits Through Feed Intake
Management
Management is more than just feeding pigs and knowing when to breed and ship. Today's pig farmers are savvy businesspeople who keep abreast of the cost of corn, who keep track of the health of their pigs and the safety of their workers. Management is where experience, daily learning and keeping an eye on the future all meet to ensure that each pig is healthy and well cared and that each pork chop is as delicious as the next.
Economics
Manure and Mortality Management
Pork and the Public
Production
- Diagnosing Problems in the Grow-Finish Phase of Production
- Estimating the Value of SEW Pigs
- Why Bother Keeping Records?
Facilities
Efficient production relies on providing pigs with the most suitable rearing conditions. Different stages of hog production can have different requirements.
- Heavier Hogs Affect Pen Size and Output
- Pig Production in Straw-Bedded Systems
- Minimum Space Allowance for Transportation of Swine by Road
Animal Health and Biosecurity
Disease control is not only important for ensuring healthy stock, but also for the bottom line. Healthy animals grow better than sick ones so the time and energy and dollars spent on keeping animals healthy are well spent for the gains in efficiency.
Biosecurity
- Disinfection of Swine Barns
- Vulnerability Assessment: Avian Influenza Introduction into Manitoba Domestic Poultry and Swine
- Canadian Swine Health Board
On-farm Food Safety
Research
Pig producers rely on a wide variety of research to help them produce pigs more efficienctly, more welfare friendly and more profitably. Universities, research facilities and private industry all help to widen the knowledge base upon which pork producers can draw.
