HOW TO HANDLE HEAT STRESS IN PIGS.

Heat stress affects the pig industry in tropical climates as well as temperate regions. Losses due to heat stress include nonproductive days for sows and economic losses in growing-finishing pigs. Even in mild climate conditions such as the Netherlands pigs have problems in the summer with performance losses due heat stress .This problem can be dealt with by improved nutrition. Pigs are much more sensitive to hot weather than other livestock animals – largely due to the fact that pigs hardly sweat and their lungs are relatively small compared to their body size. When pigs are exposed to heat stress, their respiration rate increases, pulse rate falls, they start panting heavily and they stop eating because this contributes to further heat production. The fact that bigger pigs are more sensitive to heat stress can be clearly seen in growth performance. Investigation of different weight classes (75, 80 and 28 kg body weight) showed a direct negative correlation on average daily gain (ADG) with increasing room temperature. While 75 kg pigs start to decrease their ADG at around 23°C, pigs weighing 25 kg can compensate up to 27°C (Langridge, Western Australia, 2014). A commonly accepted temperature range for sows in the farrowing house typically spans between 21°C and 25°C - though this is too big of a range. Nursery sows begin to show signs of heat stress starting at 22°C . The feed intake drops almost 0.5 kg/day as temperature increases to 25°C. Technical solutions to reduce heat stress are often time 
consuming and can be highly expensive, e.g. building cooled stables. A nutritional approach can prove more adaptable and quicker to implement. Based on current knowledge there are some measures we can take to improve the swine productivity during periods of heat stress. The nutritional intervention include; 1) Smaller, more frequent meals per day and/or night feeding. 2)A sufficient supply of fresh, clean water. 3)Wet the feed with water. 4)Use pelleted feed instead of mash. 5)Lower crude protein. 6) Replace starch with fat as an energy source. 7) Use less fiber. Story from materials from pig progress.

BIOTECH AND PRRSV RESISTANT PIGS.

A research involving scientists have bred Pigs resistant to a PRRSV, Using CRISPR ;(CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing method—to breed pigs resistant to infection). Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) emerged in the 1980s, and the syndrome now afflicts these hoofed animals worldwide, causing illness, death and miscarriage. It has been designated the most economically significant disease for swine, costing livestock producers in North America $600 million annually from deaths and medical treatments. Vaccinations have mostly failed to prevent the syndrome's spread, but a new approach by biologists at the University of Missouri may mark a turning point. They are one of the first teams to develop a commercial agricultural application for the revolutionary CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing method—to breed pigs resistant to infection. CRISPR/Cas9 is a gene-manipulation tool that allows scientists to make changes to DNA with razor-sharp accuracy. The tool has generated excitement in the research community because it allows rapid modification of gene function, replacing older and less efficient methods. For porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, Missouri's Randall Prather, Kristen Whitworth and Kevin Wells turned to the technique to breed three piglets that lacked a protein on cells that acts as a doorway for the virus. The edited piglets were grouped together in a pen with seven normal piglets, and then they all were inoculated with PRRSV. About five days later the normal pigs grew feverish and ill, but the genetically edited pigs did not. Despite sharing close quarters with their sick pen mates, they remained in top health throughout the 35-day study period. Blood testing also revealed that the edited animals did not produce antibodies against the virus—further evidence that they evaded infection entirely. “I expected the pigs would get the virus but not get as sick,” Prather says. “But it is just night and day. The pigs are running around with the other pigs coughing on them, but they are just fine.” This work and other recent experiments demonstrate the promise of CRISPR/Cas9 for the care of domestic animals. Late last year geneticists at the University of California, Davis, employed the new technique to breed dairy cows that do not grow horns. The study is published in the Nature Biotechnology.

SEED IMPROVEMENT , FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND FOOD SECURITY.

Corn ranks next to rice as the staple crop in the Philippines,and the high cost of farm inputs like seeds and fertilizer is one of the burdens of many farmers. Now, the cost of pesticides hurting farmers, and the very low quality of corn produced because of more than 20 harmful insects damaging the whole life cycle of these pests. Tracing back the reason why these insects enjoy damaging the corn plant, the answer pin-points to the problem of absorption and utilization of nutrients. This is how Atovi works on the plants: 1) increase the population of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.2) drives away insects, promote fast and healthy growth of plants .3 )makes the whole cellular structure of the plant firm and thick.4) more rows of good kernels .5) strong tolerance against diseases.6 )increase harvest. How to use the technology in Corn production: Corn kernels (seeds) must be soaked first in water with the technology for two and a half hours (2 ½ hrs.) before sowing it. Dilution: 1 tbsp Atovi : 1 liter of water. The dilution can be used many times for soaking. If there’s excess mixture (water & atovi), it can be use to condition the soil where it will be planted. Water the planting hole with the said mixture to prevent corn maggots from eating the seeds. For two (2) weeks, spray Atovi in the afternoon (preferably 5pm) every other day. Dilution: 2 tbsp. Atovi : 1 Gallon of Water (4 liters) or 1 kg. Atovi : 1 Drum of Water. After transplanting, maintain the application of Atovi every late afternoon weekly and stop two (2) weeks before harvest time, using the same dilution stated in No.2. This will procedure will make the whole cellular structure of plant including the corn kernels (fruit) very firm to prevent insects from damaging them. For plots, be sure to cultivate the soil one (1) week before transplanting for good soil aeration. Much better results can be achieved if manure (fecal waste) from animals already taking Atovi will be used as organic fertilizer during land preparation. If not, one can use ordinary animal manure from animals not taking Atovi but before incorporating them into the soil, spray them with Atovi every other day for one (1) week to hasten the manure decomposition and makes them organic fertilizer. In any case, don’t forget to spray Atovi on the plot to energize the beneficial bacteria in the soil, exterminate harmful microorganisms and insect pests, eradicate weed seeds, and achieve the 3-week organic soil state. In spraying Atovi, make sure to wet the underside of leaves, and or, water the plant base/root zone for fast effect. Simple tips: Always maintain clean corn field. Remove rubbles, or any trash where insects thrives. Story; ATOVI TECHNOLOGY.

THE GGR BREEDING MODEL BY SIAMPIGS.