Cheryl Day provides an overview of topics important to the swine industry. This information is a good answer to, “What did you learn at the WPX?” It provides insight into challenges swine producers face. Source: National Hog Farmer, July 2016, page 30. Day summarizes: Pork Quality Assurance Plus program 3.0 Pork, the Other White Meat lawsuit pending Waters of the … [Read more...]
Journal of Swine Health and Production
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents from the latest issue of the Journal of Swine Health and Production. The paper titled Comparative efficacy of concurrent administration of a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccine plus a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine from two commercial sources in pigs challenged with both … [Read more...]
Experts react to hogs and pigs report
The Department of Agriculture reported June 24, 2016 that total hogs and pigs inventory in the United States was 68.4 million head, a two percent jump from a year ago. Source: AgriPulse, June 27, 2016. Learn what experts have to say about the increasing inventory in the audio report. Also see: National Hog Farmer, June 24, 2016. Puzzling numbers in USDA … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo photo gallery
Networking, showcasing innovation and educating are the mainstays of the World Pork Expo. This year was no exception. This photo gallery offers a flavor of the festivities. You may see some folks you know. I did. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 10, 2016. World Pork Expo’s extensive trade show makes it easy to shop and compare new products and technologies for use on the … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Benefits of an isotonic protein drink for pigs
This piece offers high-level look at recent field trials conducted by Tonsity on the impact of incorporating an isotonic protein drink for pigs into today’s swine production practices. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 9, 2016. Very few studies have been published to show the benefits of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) in swine. Historically, the principles of ORT — simple … [Read more...]
Pseudorabies discovered on Missouri hog farm
Officials destroyed about 100 hogs on a Callaway County, Missouri hog farm after the herd tested positive for pseudorabies. Feral hogs are suspected to have exposed the herd to the disease, which affects a pig’s central nervous system. Source: Pork Network, May 13, 2016. In this particular herd, testing came back as serologically positive and the decision was made to … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo kicks off next month
There is more to the World Pork Expo than hogs walking around a show ring. It is a destination worthy of consideration for any animal health professional, especially those working in swine markets. The show can help open your eyes to industry changes on the way. If you plan to be near Des Moines, Iowa, June 8 to 10, consider adding it to your plans. Source: National Hog … [Read more...]
Pork trademarks under fire by HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States will continue its legal challenges to a 2006 sale of “Pork. The Other White Meat” and other Pork trademarks by the National Pork Producers Council to the National Pork Board for $35 million. HSUS contends the sale and ensuing payments were unlawful and the Pork Board is prohibited from using checkoff dollars to influence … [Read more...]
FDA targets Carbadox for removal from swine production
Carbadox, the active ingredient in Mecadox ®, a Phibro Animal Health product, helps U.S. hog producers safely control bacterial diseases in early growth stages of pigs. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took the first steps to take this valuable pharmaceutical away from the swine industry. Tom Burkgren, DVM and executive director of the American Association of … [Read more...]
USDA issues revised Senecavirus A guidelines
The USDA has issued a revised guidance document describing procedures and responsibilities for handling swine herds suspected of having Senecavirus A to ensure that foreign animal disease investigations occur per agency guidelines. While swine specialists have working knowledge of these guidelines, veterinary teams in mixed animal practices may not be aware of these … [Read more...]
It’s all in the genes
Cheryl Day’s team at National Hog Farmer has dedicated the April issue to the topic of genetics and the management of these blueprints to strengthen pig production. What follows her opening notes is an issue full of insight and perspective on managing swine genetics. Source: National Hog Farmer, April 2016. Blueprint focus. Developing quality swine genetics can boost the … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Voice of Sustainable Pork Debuts
Featuring a mix of original and contributed content, plus news aggregated from a variety of sources, Voice of Sustainable Pork aims to bring the global pork industry together to more effectively balance the needs of pigs, pork, people and planet — now, and for generations to come. The website is sponsored by Zoetis. Source: Voice of Sustainable Pork, email March 29, … [Read more...]
3 tips for swine production success
Tim Loula, DVM, highlights three management practices for pig producers to be successful in the new parameters being placed upon the industry. He was one of four speakers at a Hubbard Feeds Swine Production Seminar in Okoboji, Iowa. Source: National Hog Farmer, March 24, 2016. Tim Loula, DVM, says it is imperative to get ahead of the curve. He outlined the following three … [Read more...]
AASV Conference convenes
Reflecting the global swine market, communication and science are the themes presented to the 1,100 attendees at the AASV Conference this week. "We need to start building that muscle within our membership of how you relate to people, how you talk to people from different generations, how you talk to people from different genders or other parts of the world and understand where … [Read more...]
Tyson moves toward antibiotic-free pork
Responding to consumer demand, Tyson announced a new line of meat sourced from pigs raised without drugs, labeled Open Prairie Natural Pork. Source: Takepart, February 25, 2016. While the industry has long argued that it simply cannot raise animals without antibiotics—going so far as to say that doing so would be cruel or inhumane, as sick animals could die—changes in … [Read more...]
Swine Disease Matrix prioritizes pathogens of threat
Much is written about disaster planning. Yet, producers and veterinarians are seldom prepared for disease outbreaks or disasters. The Center for Food Security and Public Health at the College of Veterinary Medicine of Iowa State University announced a comprehensive set of tools to address this. Fact sheets offer information about each disease are ready for immediate use in the … [Read more...]
Biosecurity vigilance urged as PED immunity dissipates
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus is still circulating in the U.S., according to Paul Sundberg, DVM, executive director of the Swine Health Information Center. Noting lowered incidence, he says improved biosecurity and a buildup of natural immunity by exposed herds have helped reduce the level of PED. This natural immunity may be short lived, however. Source: The Pig Site, … [Read more...]
Biosurveillance vital to swine industry
Technological advancements support increasing biosurveillance activities to react more rapidly to disease outbreaks. Understanding active and passive disease surveillance processes is critical for marketing and sales personnel working in the swine segment. Building the network of communication is well underway. This article indicates developments will strengthen the network, … [Read more...]
Swine research review, 2015
Genetic markers for PRRS, foaming manure, bump feeding sows and testicle temperature in boars are just a few of the research articles featured in this issue. If you’re involved in swine health, this is a good overview of the hot topics and trends in 2015 and 2016. Source: National Hog Farmer, December 2015. Research reviews from across Canada and the US in 2015. … [Read more...]
Why Asia craves America’s pig DNA
Experience the dynamics of swine exporting and decision-making in this intriguing story. In a business fraught with financial risks and potential catastrophes, exporters must navigate countries’ various regulations, financing arrangements and cultural norms. Animal diseases, currency fluctuations, and politics can quickly destroy markets. Yet, this is part of feeding the … [Read more...]
Ag research should not be a mere afterthought
You don’t have to be a swine DVM or hog farmer to appreciate the message in this story. A large-scale health and economics problem, applied science, collaboration and dedication underscore the topic of PRRS-resistant pigs in this blog entry. Congratulations to many professionals who have remained focused on “finding a way” for the last two to three decades. This type of … [Read more...]
Elimination of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from breed-to-wean farms: A review of current protocols
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) remains one of the most prevalent and economically significant respiratory pathogens in the swine industry. Economic losses related to M. hyo are associated with decreased feed efficiency, reduced average daily gain, and increased medication costs. Learn about current protocols with emphasis on herd closure and medication in this peer-reviewed … [Read more...]
Invest in pig health and get a big ROI
ROI discussions are often challenging for representatives and veterinary teams who work with pork production personnel, ownership and facilities. Producers working to increase their revenue often cut-back on medical costs. Information in this article may be valuable to restart a conversation with clients or customers waffling on preventative and disease prevention measures. … [Read more...]
America’s pig farmer – doing it right
It is easy to forget that people anchor quality meat production. This article celebrates a more traditional pig farmer who is also the first recipient of the Pig Farmer of the Year award, Keith Schoemetter. This article is a refreshing perspective on environmental stewardship, animal health, community involvement and employee management. Source: National Hog Farmer, November … [Read more...]