1, 300 Piglets Euthanized

Aug 29, 2012

Manitoba Hog Farm under Investigation for Animal Cruelty

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Troubles in the hog industry are proving to be a crisis situation. On a farm in western Manitoba, 1,300 piglets had to be euthanized after an anonymous tip suspected inhumane treatment. After an investigation was made, the chief veterinarian disclosed in a news release that the piglets were found “in severe stress” and they were put down “to avoid pain and suffering.” The name of the farm or the community will not be released to the public until after a full investigation has been completed.

Industry spokesperson Doug Chorney, President of Keystone Agriculture Producers explains that farmers in the pork industry are experiencing a crisis with low prices for hogs coupled with the high prices for feed that’s been driven by the severe drought is making weanlings worthless. "I phoned my neighbour who's been a lifetime hog producer and is a very astute business person," said Chorney, who noted the neighbour's farm has raised hogs for 75 years. He said, 'We're depopulating our barn and by November there will be no hogs left,” said Chorney.

It’s a dire situation that farmers are faced with, but it’s no excuse for animal cruelty. If farmers can no longer support their herds they should be encouraged to contact their local SPCA branch or speak to their provincial hog board to examine what should be done. While this situation is unfortunate, it should be known that acts of animal cruelty don’t represent the hog industry as a whole.

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.