Updated: Euthanized 1,300 Piglets Case Continues

Aug 30, 2012

Manitoba Pig Farm Animal Cruelty Investigation Disturbing

The case against the Manitoba pig farm under investigation for animal cruelty continues. Until now, the name of the farm was unknown and it’s been found that HP Farm Equipment in Winkler, Manitoba is the farm under investigation. The farm operation is managed by two brothers - Bernie and Menno Bergen. Some have said that the brothers have been experiencing financial hardships over the past several years.

An anonymous call from a concerned citizen prompted the investigation that began last Friday, where local authorities euthanized 1,300 after finding them under severe stress. The images are disturbing - there were bins of dead piglet carcasses. The incident has shocked the agriculture community and the Manitoba Pork Council has come out and said that hog farmers are in a desperate situation with the prices of feed skyrocketing - losing on average $50 per pig.

"Producers are under a lot of financial pressure to react to the high cost of feeding their hogs right now, it's very difficult for them when there's no economic return," said Doug Chorney, spokesperson for Keystone Agriculture Producers.

Video: How Swine Nutrition Can Revolutionize Biogas Production - Dr. Felipe Hickmann

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Felipe Hickmann from Laval University explores how nutritional strategies and manure management impact biogas production in pig farming. He breaks down the science behind anaerobic digestion at low temperatures and explains how dietary adjustments affect methane production and environmental sustainability. Learn how producers can reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Lowering crude protein can reduce nitrogen in manure, but only if animal intake doesn’t compensate by increasing feed consumption."

Meet the guest: Dr. Felipe Hickmann / felipe-hickmann-963853a6 is a PhD research assistant at Laval University, specializing in swine and poultry sustainability. With extensive experience in manure management, nutritional strategies, and precision livestock technologies, he contributes to improving environmental outcomes in animal agriculture.