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The objectives of this study are to better understand the Salmonella infection in the holding of market swine and to evaluate cost-effective strategies to reduce the number of Salmonella-infected pigs entering the slaughter process.
Recent research has shown substantive evidence that abatoir holding pens are a significant source of Salmonella infection in swine. In commerical abattoirs, Salmonella prevalence can increase five to sevenfold during the routine pre-slaughter rest period. On average, 50% of pigs entering the slaughter process may be carrying Salmonella in their internal organs and gastrointestinal tract. The objectives of this study are to better understand the Salmonella infection in the holding of market swine and to evaluate cost-effective strategies to reduce the number of Salmonella-infected pigs entering the slaughter process. Studies will be conducted in three commercial abattoirs. Pen floor samples will be collected over time to estimate seasonal changes in Salmonella. Various treatment strategies will be evaluated. The Salmonella prevalence in various tissues and meat quality will be compared between treatment and control pigs. This project will provide some information about pen ecology as influenced by environmental factors.