Education
- Ph.D., Animal Environmental Physiology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan, 1991
- M.S., Animal Production, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China, 1985
- B.S., Animal Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China, 1982
Research Interests
Improve performance and welfare of pigs in alternative housing systems by applying ethological knowledge. Specifically, reducing pre-weaning mortality in group farrowing system with emphasis on maternal ability and neonatal behavior, reducing aggression and controlling individual feed intake in group gestation housing with emphasis on social and eating behavior, and alleviating thermal and social stress of grow/finish pigs in hoop barns by studying social behavior and environmental physiology. Current research includes: 1) Effects of sow parity, birth weight on pre-weaning mortality of piglet in group farrowing systems; 2) Effects of familiarity and weight variation on aggression, welfare and performance in growing and finishing pigs.
Outreach
Programs
Workshops on swine management, both in confinement and alternative systems.;
Publications
(2002-2008)
- Refereed Articles -
Li, Y.Z. and H.W. Gonyou. 2007. Effects of stall width and sow size on behavior of gestating sows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 87:129-138.
Li, Y.Z., B.J. Kerr, M.T. Kidd, and H.W. Gonyou. 2006. Use of supplementary tryptophan to modify the behavior of pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 84: 212-220.
Li, Y.Z., L. Chenard, S.P. Lemay, and H.W. Gonyou. 2005. Water intake and wastage at nipple drinkers by growing-finishing pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 83: 1413-1422.
Schmolke, S.A., Y.Z. Li, and H.W. Gonyou. 2004. Effects of group size on social behaviour following regrouping of growing-finishing pigs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 88: 27-38.
Spinka M., H.W. Gonyou, Y.Z. Li, and L.A. Bate. 2004. Nursing synchronization in lactating sows as affected by activity, distance between the sows and playback of nursing vocalizations. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 88: 13-26.
Harris, M.J., Y.Z. Li, and H.W. Gonyou. 2003. Savaging behaviour in gilts and sows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 83: 819-821.
Schmolke, S.A., Y.Z. Li, and H.W. Gonyou. 2003. Effect of group size on performance of growing-finishing pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 874-878.
Li, Y.Z. and H.W. Gonyou. 2002. Analysis of belly nosing and associated behaviour among pigs weaned at 12-14 days of age. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 77: 285-294.
-Proceedings -
Li, Y.Z. 2008. The benefits to farmer of implementing higher welfare systems and practices in swine production. Proc. of Importance of Farm Animal Welfare Science to Sustainable Agriculture, International Forum, Beijing, China. Chinese Economists’ Society for the Forestry, Livestock and Fisheries Industries. p. 47.
- Presentation at Professional Meetings -
Li, Y.Z. 2008. The benefits to farmer of implementing higher welfare systems and practices in swine production. Presented at Importance of Animal Welfare Science to Sustainable Agriculture, International Forum, Beijing, China. March 29-30.
Li, Y.Z. 2008. Considering behavioral and welfare needs when selecting a housing system. Presented at Allen D. Leman Swine Conf., Pre-conference Section: Gestating Sow Housing, St Paul, MN. Sep. 21.
Li, Y.Z. 2008. Reducing pre-weaning mortality of piglets in loose farrowing systems. Presented at Pork Niche Market Working Group Mtg., Des Moines, IA. Dec. 17.
- Extension Publications -
Li, Y.Z. 2008. Is maternal fear associated with piglet survival in loose farrowing
systems? West Central News, University of Minnesota. Sep. 17.
Li, Y.Z. 2008. What is the real picture of piglet pre-weaning mortality in loose farrowing systems?
West Central News, University of Minnesota. July 9.
Li, Y.Z. 2008. Behavior and performance of pigs previously housed in large groups. West Central News, University of Minnesota. May 5.
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