Program 1 – Projects & Final Reports

Final research reports made available on this website 
Third parties have prepared final research reports for Pork CRC Ltd ACN 150 210 325 (Pork CRC), summarising the methodology, outcomes and potential applications of research projects that have been conducted via Pork CRC (Research Reports).

Those Research Reports are provided “as is” for the purpose of disseminating information to the public.

Any views, standards or recommendations expressed in those Research Reports do not necessarily reflect the position of Pork CRC.  To the maximum extent permitted by law, and unless expressly stated otherwise, Pork CRC:

  • makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy, reliability, currency, completeness or lawfulness of any Research Reports;
  • does not exercise any editorial control or supervision over such Research Reports;
  • cannot and does not endorse the content of any Research Reports; and
  • suggests that users of the Research Reports exercise their own independent skill and judgment before relying on the content of any Research Reports and, where necessary or appropriate, seek independent professional advice which is relevant to their individual circumstances.

By continuing to use the Research Reports, and to the maximum extent permitted by law, you:

  • accept the abovementioned terms upon which Research Reports are made available to you; and
  • release Pork CRC and each of its officers, employees and agents from any claims or losses that you may suffer or incur in reliance upon or use of those Research Reports.

SubProgram 1A – Mating and Lactation Innovations

1A-101: Strategies to enhance oestrus induction in lactating sows – Jeff Downing, University of Sydney – Summary     Report

1A-102: Managing the sow to stimulate lactational ovulation Will van Wettere, University of Adelaide – Summary    Report

1A-103: Optimising the time of mating in easy-to-manage lactation systems to improve pregnancy outcomes and weaning – Pieter Langendijk, SARDI – Summary Report

1A-104: Maximising fertility and fecundity of sows mated during lactation – Will van Wettere, University of Adelaide  – Summary   Report

1A-105: Developing commercially-viable, confinement-free farrowing and lactation systems – Rebecca Morrison, Rivalea –   Part 1 Summary  Report Part 2Interim Report   Summary    Final Report

1A-106: Development of a lactational oestrus induction protocol that can be implemented in confinement free sow housing systems – Jeff Downing, University of Sydney –  Summary   Report

1A-107: Reducing early embryonic loss in the pig – Mark Nottle, University of Adelaide – Summary   Report

1A-108: Reducing labour costs and increasing synchrony and predictability of lactation oestrus – Roy Kirkwood, University of Adelaide – Summary   Report

1A-109: Innovative refinements of existing lactation pen systems to better suit Australian environmental and management systems – Rebecca Morrison, Rivalea Summary Report

1A-110: Reducing confinement of peri-parturient and lactating sows – Will van Wettere, University of Adelaide – Summary Report

1A-111: Developing ways to measure and increase sow contentment – Rebecca Doyle, AWSC, University of Melbourne – SummaryReport

1A-112: Commercial evaluation of lactational oestrous – Rebecca Athorn, Rivalea Summary Report

1A-113: Welfare implications of group lactation at various ages – Jean-Loup Rault, University of Melbourne Summary Report

1A-114: Can oxytocin nasal spray improve gilt behaviour during the peri-partum period and increase the weaning weight of piglets. – Cameron Ralph, SARDI

1A-115: The feeding behaviour of sows and its relationships to sow welfare and reproduction. Megan Verdon, University of Melbourne – Summary Report

1A-116: Managing light and mat surface temperature in creep areas to minimize dangerous piglet behaviour associated with crushing – Jean-Loup Rault, University of Melbourne – Summary Report

1A-117: A systematic review of farrowing pens: factors responsible for high performance – Kate Plush – Australian Pork Farms Group Ltd (“SunPork Farms South”) – Summary Report

1A-118: Fenceline boar exposure at the end of lactation to improve reproductive performance of group-housed sows – Will van Wettere, University of Adelaide – SummaryReport

1A-119: Using an anti-inflammatory to increase piglet survival and growth in crates and pens – Kate Plush – Australian Pork Farms Group Ltd (“SunPork Farms South”) – Summary Report

SubProgram 1B – Innovative Weaning Systems

1B-101: Novel strategies to enhance creep attractiveness and reduce piglet mortality – Alexandra Whittaker, University of Adelaide – Summary    Report

1B-102: Peri-weaning polyamine supplementation a novel strategy to improve piglet survival and growth post-weaning – Will van Wettere, University of Adelaide – Summary   Report

1B-103: The effects of alternate lactation housing on piglet welfare and performance around weaning – Kate Plush, University of Adelaide –  Summary    Report 

1B-104: The gradual weaning of piglets: how an intermittent suckling regime can contribute to pigs overcoming nutritional and environmental stressors at weaning – John Pluske, Murdoch University – SummaryReport

1B-105:  Effects of multi-suckling on piglet welfare and performance pre- and post-weaning – David Lines, Australian Pork Farms Group – Summary Report

1B-106: A novel sow-piglet separation technique in lactation to enhance piglet welfare and production after weaningJohn Pluske, Murdoch University SummaryReport

 

SubProgram 1C- Management of Sows in Groups

1C-101: Physical and Nutritional Interventions to reduce sow lameness – Rob van Barneveld, CHM Alliance – Summary Expt1   Summary    Report

1C-102: Effects of aggressive characteristics of individual sows and mixing strategies on the productivity and welfare of group-housed gestating sows – Paul Hemsworth, University of Melbourne – Summary   Report

1C-103: Optimising the management of group-housed gestating sows – Paul Hughes, SARDI – Summary Report

1C-104: Lactation Pens – Geordie Charles, CIFE, Clara Singh, University of Melbourne –   Report

1C-105: Effects of floor space on the welfare of group housed sows – Paul Hemsworth, University of Melbourne  – Summary     Report

1C-106: Reducing aggression in group-housed gestating sows through manipulation of dietary water holding capacity and hind-gut fermentation substrates to control gut distension and blood VFA levels – Rob van Barneveld, CHM  – Summary   Report

1C-107: Improving behaviour, welfare and commercial performance of group housed sows through development of appropriate selection criteria – Kim Bunter, AGBU – Summary Report

1C-108: The sensitivity of sows to stressors throughout gestation – Jean-Loup Rault, University of Melbourne – Summary   Report 

1C-109: Animal welfare monitoring in research settings – Maxine Rice, University of Melbourne – Summary   Report

1C-111: Effects of group housing after weaning on sow welfare and sexual behaviour – Jean-Loup Rault, University of Melbourne – Summary   Report

1C-112: Literature Review on effects of group housing both post-weaning and post-insemination on sow productivity and welfare – Paul Hemsworth, University of Melbourne  – Summary   Report

1C-113: Welfare and productivity of sows and litters housed in farrowing pens compared to farrowing crates – Paul Hemsworth, University of Melbourne – Summary Report

1C-114: Reducing sow stress around farrowing – Kate Plush, University of Adelaide – Summary  Report

1C-115: Nutritional management strategies to reduce aggression at mixing of unfamiliar sows – Tracy Muller, CHM Alliance  – Summary     Report

1C-116: Enriching the environment of group housed sows using straw / hay in racks – Will van Wettere, University of Adelaide – Summary Report

1C-117: Influence of social grouping before and after mating on sow welfare and fertility under commercial conditions – Roy Kirkwood, University of Adelaide – Cancelled

1C-118: Sham-chewing and sow welfare and productivity – Lauren Hemsworth, The University of Melbourne –  Summary Report

1C-119: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as an indicator of environmental enrichment effectiveness – Jean-Loup Rault, University of Melbourne – Summary Report

1C-120: Human enrichment program for breeding sows: proof of concept – Paul Hemsworth,  The University of Melbourne – Summary Report