Quebec-based DuBreton farms has announced that it is now California Animal Care Program Certified.

Nov 13, 2023

Canadian swine producer surpasses Prop 12 requirements

California’s controversial Proposition 12, known as prop 12, requires that swine livestock producers restrict gestation crate usage, and says that each sow must have 24 square feet of space.

“Today, we reach another step forward, since we are not just compliant, but fully audited and ready for California’s Proposition 12, which goes into effect on January 1st, 2024.” shared Vincent Breton, CEO.

DuBreton farms is a fourth generation farming operation that has raised crate-free pigs since 2003.

Unlike DuBreton, many US and Canadian farmers say they won’t be making changes on their farms to become compliant.

For many farmers the issue is that the Prop 12 and similar laws in Massachusetts and New Jersey will force swine producers to make their barn sizes larger, or reduce the number of sows in their herd to be able to give the required 24 square feet of space.

Video: Methionine Requirements for Lactating Sows - Cierra Kozole

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Cierra Kozole, PhD candidate in Swine Nutrition at the University of Guelph, explains how methionine supports lactating sows beyond milk protein synthesis. She discusses updated requirement estimates, source comparisons, methylation demand, and why modern sow genetics may require more precise amino acid strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Methionine supports protein synthesis while also serving critical functions through methylation pathways that influence multiple biological processes."

Meet the guest: Cierra Kozole / cierra-kozole-772b64253 is a PhD candidate in Swine Nutrition at the University of Guelph in Canada. Her doctoral research focuses on refining estimates of methionine requirements for primiparous lactating sows, including evaluating methionine sources, nutrient partitioning, methylation reactions, and the links among amino acid supply, milk production, and sow protein retention. Learn more from Cierra Kozole on The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.