Technical, allocative and economic efficiency measures are derived for a sample of swine producers in Hawaii using the parametric stochastic efficiency decomposition technique and non parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA). Efficiency measures obtained from the two frontier approaches are compared. Firm-specific factors affecting productive efficiencies are also analyzed. Finally, swine producers' potential for reducing cost through improved efficiency is also examined. Under the specification of variable returns to scale (VRS), the mean technical, allocative and economic efficiency indices are 75.9%, 75.8% and 57.1 %, respectively, for the parametric approach and 75.9%, 80.3% and 60.3% for DEA; while for the constant returns to scale (CRS) they are 74.5%, 73.9% and 54.7%, respectively, for the parametric approach and 64.3%, 71.4% and 45.7% for DEA. Thus the results from both approaches reveal considerable inefficiencies in swine production in Hawaii. The removal of potential outliers increases the technical efficiencies in the parametric approach and allocative efficiencies in DEA, but, overall. contrary to popular belief, the results obtained from DEA are found to be more robust than those from the parametric approach. The estimated mean technical and economic efficiencies obtained from the parametric technique are higher than those from DEA for CRS models but quite similar for VRS models, while allocative efficiencies are generally higher in DEA. However, the efficiency rankings of the sample producers based on the two approaches are highly correlated, with the highest correlation being achieved for the technical efficiency rankings under CRS. Based on mean comparison and rank correlation analyses, the return to scale assumption is found to be crucial in assessing the similarities or differences in efficiency measures obtained from the two approaches. Analysis of the role of various firm-specific factors on productive efficiency shows that farm size has strong positive effects on efficiency levels. Similarly, farms producing market hogs are more efficient than those producing feeder pigs. Based on these results, by operating at the efficient frontier the sample swine producers would be able to reduce their production costs by 38--46% depending upon the method and returns to scale considered.

Seed predation by native and alien rodents can limit plant recruitment and ultimately affect forest dynamics and composition (Campbell & Atkinson 2002, Côtéet al. 2003, Hulme 1998, Sánchez-Cordero & Martínez-Gallardo 1998). Even partial consumption of seeds by predators may affect plant community structure, though its importance is poorly understood (Steeleet al. 1993, Vallejo-Marínet al. 2006). Despite consumption of relatively large portions of seeds by herbivores, seeds can retain their ability to germinate if the embryo remains intact (Dalling & Harms 1999, Janzen 1972, Mack 1998). Germination of damaged seeds may be accelerated or prolonged (Karban & Lowenberg 1992, Koptur 1998, Vallejo-Marínet al. 2006). Damage by seed pests also facilitates ageing stress; which manifests as decreased seedling vigour, decreased seed viability, lower germination percentages and slower germination rates (Priestley 1986).

In this experiment, 98 multiparous Yorkshire sows blocked on farrowing date were randomly assigned to four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Oxygen inhalation (6 L/min) by the sow was tested in an effort to reduce stillbirth rate and improve pig viability. This study also tested the effect of increasing uterine contractions using neostigmine (5 mg) to determine whether simultaneous administration of oxygen to the sow could improve the inconsistent response of stillbirth rate to neostigmine. Pig viability was assessed using viability scoring and blood gas analysis of samples obtained from the suborbital sinus immediately after birth. The farrowings averaged 12.2 pigs/litter, 7.8% stillbirths, and 3.5% low viability (viability score < or = 6) pigs. Treatment had no effect on stillbirth rate or pig viability. Oxygen treatment increased pO2 (P = .0002), increased pCO2 (P = .02), and decreased pH (P = .02) in sow venous blood sampled after the birth of the last pig, but it had no effect on pig venous blood gases. Neostigmine treatment had no effect on either sow or pig venous blood gases. Oxygen treatment doubled the length of the first birth interval after the start of treatment (P = .003) but had no effect on remaining birth intervals. Neostigmine had no effect on birth interval. It is suggested that the effect of oxygen on birth interval is the reason for the lack of improvement in stillbirth rate.

. Comparison of viability scoring and blood gas analysis as measures of piglet viability. Can. J. Anim. . Viability score based on heart rate, colour, muscle tone, respiration, and attempts to stand was correlated with pH (r : 0.82, P -0.0001), pCOr(r:-0.85,P:0.0001),andpO20:0.27,P:0.0001)inl2l7neonatalpiglets,indicating that viability score is an excellent measure of the extent of asphyxia suffered by piglets during parturition. (Stanton et al. 1973), position in the parameters during storage. birth order, and direction of piglet movement Measures of viability were compared using (Edwards and Furniss 1988). To overcome l2l7 full-term piglets farrowed naturally by these limitations, a viability score based on 101 multiparous Yorkshire sows at the Arkeil heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, colour, Swine Research Station. As each piglet was and time to stand was suggested by Randall born, the time was recorded, the umbilical (191I). Although viability score is related to cord was checked, and the heart rate was blood gas parameters (Randall 197

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