This study introduces cases of individual feeding systems for sow and the sow sorters which are the subparts of an eco-friendly feeding and management system based on a u-IT program using the hog feeding and management information system. The purpose of this study is to conduct an analysis of economic feasibility on cases of the improvement of the system using the u-IT and to provide information on the positive effects of an introduction of an eco-friendly pigsty and hog feeding and management system to hog raisers and government officials. The literature review and background section examine the effects of the introduction of u-IT technology into the field of livestock raising, hog feeding and management information system, and the eco-friendly feeding and management system based on the u-IT. This paper will present the results of the analysis on the effects and the economic feasibility of the individual feeding system for sow and the sow sorter utilizing the u-IT technology and information systems. The results of this study will contribute to the sustainable development of the hog raising industry by showing that the new feeding and management system utilizing the u-IT can not only increase the efficiency and productivity of farm management but also contribute to efficient, eco-friendly hog feeding and management.
The direct use of mutation is a valuable approach to generate variability in crops. The electron beam, one of the ionizing radiations, has been applied to evaluate its effect on seed germination and early seedling growth of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds., cv Penn-A1). The mature dry seeds were irradiated with various electron beam energies (0.3, 1.0, 1.3, and 2 MeV) and current levels (0.03 and 0.06 mA). Although large variability was existed within each dose, distinct difference of germiability and seedling vigor were not found at 0.3 MeV / 0.03 mA and 0.3 MeV / 0.06 mA beam condition. However, 1.0 MeV / 0.06 mA application most effectively inhibited and retarded seed germination and most severely restricted cotyledon and root growth in early seedling growth. The direct use of electron beam would be a valuable supplementary approach to generate mutants suitable for breeding purposes.