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The Rural Voice, 1990-06, Page 55NEWS EXPENSIVE GENE FOUND IN PIGS Canadian scientists believe they have found a defective gene in pigs that causes a $30 -million loss to pork pro- ducers annually. About 19 per cent of pigs are at risk of carrying the gene, which causes an inability to cope with stress and a de- crease in litter numbers. Meat from these animals is pale, soft, and watery and can have a reduced shelf life. The isolation of the gene may allow scientists to develop a diagnostic kit to detect the problem early, providing an easy way for farmers to choose breeding animals that are free of the gene. The kit may also prove helpful to humans. Scientist suspect that the same gene may cause human sensitivity to a commonly used anaesthetic known as Halothane. In a co-operative effort, agricultural researchers are supplying blood and meat samples from pigs with the gene to the Children's Hospital of Eastern On- tario in Ottawa.0 STRATFORD HOSTS PORK CONGRESS The 17th annual Ontario Pork Con- gress kicks off in Stratford this month. Highlights for visitors include the Innovations Club exhibit on the trade show floor and the competition for art featuring pigs. A producer education program begins at 10 a.m. each day. Tuesday, June 19 is Breeder Day at the congress. Wednesday, June 20 is Market Day, and Thursday, June 21 is Junior Day. The education program includes such topics as alternative swine hous- ing, the farmer's obligations to both the farm animal and the consumer, and computerized sow -feeding stalls. The American producer profile puts the spotlight on Rod Bisby of Newman, Illinois, who has a farrow to finish op- eration known as Albi Pork Farm. Another producer profile features Bill Crow of Cambridge, Ontario at noon on Thursday. There is also a women's program in the market annex.0 E H TDC® Round Balers Only from Gehl TDC®— Total Density Control is a patented uairdraulic" bale density system exclu- sively on Gehl round balers. This remarkably simple system allows you to vary bale density and core size to adapt to changing crop conditions — giving you the flexibility you need to make quality round bales you'll be proud of. Both the 1870 and 1470 feature texturized upper belts, lower bale forming rollers, 3 -ball twine box and the optional Auto -Electric Twine -wrap. STOP BY FOR A DEMONSTRATION TODAY! G & E SALES & SERVICE Lucknow 519-528-3426 JUNE 1990 51 Is disposing of your brush and scrap lumber a problem? a,e-A..?,�>a; 1d � . IP © — . s ' Busy Beever Model 175 Portable Chipper There is no need to risk burning wood waste or paying for hauling and dumping when you can chip those unwanted limbs, brush piles, storm damaged trees, or scrap lumber. • Safe • Chips can be used for mulch, pathways • Easy to operate animal bedding, or charcoaling. • Portable Jim Harkness Equipment Ltd. R. R. 4, Harriston, Ontario, NOG 1Z0 519-338-3946 JUNE 1990 51