What is new in the world of pigs in Canada?

Jan 10, 2023

One of the recent developments in Canada’s swine industry is a new training programme starting in December in Manitoba, Canada’s largest pig-producing province. About 14,000 Manitobans depend on the hog sector for their livelihoods, with over 2,500 working directly on farms as technicians and managers.

Assiniboine Community College will offer the new swine production technician course starting next month. It consists of 3 self-directed online courses. Students will learn regulations (mainly the national Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs), health and safety, record keeping and maintenance of barns and barn systems. They will also learn production practices related to production at various life stages, pig health care and breeding. Students will also build communication and conflict resolution skills.

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Video: Sow Welfare and Group Housing Systems - Dr. Laya Alves

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Laya Alves from the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, discusses how animal welfare regulations are evolving globally and their impact on pig production systems. She explains challenges in group housing, pain management, and euthanasia decisions, while highlighting the role of training and management in improving outcomes and economic sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Translating welfare requirements into daily farm routines without compromising economic sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges faced by producers globally today."

Meet the guest: Dr. Laya Alves / laya-kannan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on animal welfare in pig production, including pain management, euthanasia, and economic decision making. Her work integrates welfare science with practical farm management and sustainability. She collaborates globally to develop applied tools for producers.