A considerable number of swine operations remain with fewer than 1,000 pigs, according to the NAHMS Swine 2021 Part III: Reference of Management Practices on Small-Enterprise Swine Operations in the United States <Link>. While the contributions of the largest operations far exceed the small operators, there are reasons to focus on these operators for biosecurity, herd health and management reasons.
We’re sharing a few links to help veterinary teams and animal health pros advocate for herd health improvements in the face of Asian swine flu risks, PRRS and advance production education and practices. When animal health pros share resources and takeaways from articles like these, we advance the ongoing narratives and improve customer potential.
Sources:
- Topics from the 2024 AASV annual meeting, PORK, February 27, 2024. Link. Quotes on biosecurity, traceability, disease prevention and eradication, meat quality and workers
- What’s behind piglet devotion to the chosen sow teat? National Hog Farmer, February 7, 2024. Link. Access to colostrum and milk are essential for piglet growth and survival but the number of piglets often outnumber available teats in modern, prolific sows.
- Practical ideas swine producers can borrow from the egg industry, PORK, February 28, 2024. Link.
- Swine industry now in charge when it comes to PRRS, Feedstuffs, January 31, 2024. Link. Podcast. (17:28)
- We can’t ignore the real costs of PRRS any longer, PORK, February 12, 2024. Link. Cara Haden, DVM, “We must do something about PRRS. It is imperative for our pigs from a welfare standpoint, for the good of the people who work with our pigs and for public perception of the pork industry.”
- Key metrics to pay attention to on the swine farm, PORK, February 20, 2024. Link.
- Maximizing genetic potential through careful management, PORK, March 1, 2024. Link.
<BQ> “A financially successful farm juggles the careful management of various factors, from genetic potential to caregiver practices to animal health.”