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Better Pork Featured Articles

Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Why do some sows prefer to stay out of their stalls?

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Given a choice, some pregnant sows simply choose to stay in their 26-inch wide gestation stalls, according to research conducted by the Prairie Swine Centre in Saskatchewan, published on the website of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

The study found that 95 per cent of the sows left their stalls at some point to be in a group area but, over 24 hours, about 40 per cent spent less than two per cent of their time outside the stalls. Other animals spent 80 to 90 per cent of their time outside the stalls in a common area with other gestating animals.

Animal behaviourist Harold Gonyou observed that the sows that stayed out tended to be older, larger sows and that raised some questions. Are the younger sows avoiding these larger animals and staying in their space for protection against bullying? Or are the 26-inch wide stalls too small for the older animals and so they choose to lie down elsewhere? BP

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Nortera Green Giant Deal Called Off

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

The Competition Bureau of Canada has welcomed the decision by Nortera and B&G Foods Canada to abandon a proposed acquisition involving well-known vegetable brands sold across the country. The announcement came after the Bureau conducted an investigation and concluded that the transaction... Read this article online

B.C. ag promises – NDP and BC Greens

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

With just over two weeks before British Columbians head to the polls in the Oct. 24 provincial election, political parties are unveiling their plans for the province including its ag and food sectors. Farms.com will be highlighting those promises as they become available to provide B.C.... Read this article online

RCMP reminding farmers to protect fuel

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Olds RCMP is reminding farmers and rural property owners to protect their fuel supplies during this harvest season. “During busy periods such as planting and harvest, equipment and fuel may be left unattended in fields or other remote locations.These areas can be more difficult to monitor... Read this article online

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