Water quality affects animal health from the backyard to the largest confined operation. Jesse McCoy of Neogen Corporation writes about how to properly sample a water supply. Source: National Hog Farmer, November 30, 2017. Several considerations must be taken when sampling the site. The first is the sample must be the best representation of the water coming in to the … [Read more...]
Human capital an issue for hog industry
Human capital has long been a challenge for the protein sector overall, but has recently become a real concern for the swine business within industry and academia, said Maynard Hogberg, Iowa State University. He noted the pressing issue for both is that of the increasing need for scientifically trained personnel. This comes at a time when there are fewer swine faculty within … [Read more...]
2017 swine research reviewed
Sow space, boar pheromones, sow barn energy consumption, cool sows and flu’s cyclical nature are part of topics reviewed in this research-specific issue of National Hog Farmer. Flipping through the pages exposes a picture of the intensity of maintaining swine health while improving production conditions with the pigs in mind. Source: National Hog Farmer, December … [Read more...]
PEDV, PDCoV have taught hard lessons
Aaron Lower, DVM, reminds us that the swine industry is embarking on its fifth winter of managing porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine deltacoronavirus. As we enter the seasonal epidemic, it is important to review the key exclusion and management principles learned over the past five years. Source: National Hog Farmer, November 22, 2017. Sit down with your production … [Read more...]
Producers learning to live with VFD
Those in the swine business discovered in the last year that the VFD process is more than just having a veterinarian’s signature on a piece of paper. Because there is no allowance for using feed-grade medications in an off-label manner, veterinarians completing the VFDs have had to pay extreme attention to every detail on the label, including the dose, duration of feeding, … [Read more...]
Biosecurity takes a team
Diligence, teamwork, research, technology and collaboration are required to maintain biosecurity on farm and within the collective U.S. swine populations. Kevin Shultz distilled the frequently cacophonous elements of biosecurity efforts in this article. It truly takes a team willing to be cooperative, even though they are often competitive. Together, biosecurity remains a key … [Read more...]
Opinion – Immune response and nutrient metabolism swine research evolving rapidly
This research information should interest to any animal health pro as whose focus is on prevention and managing disease. The immunes system has high biological priority. When pathogens are detected, the immune response becomes the animal’s energetic priority and changes how dietary nutrients and calories are utilized. Source: National Hog Farmer, October 2017. Any energy … [Read more...]
Pork facts (slideshow)
Pork is big business today. More than 2 billion pounds of it is produced annually in the United States. As the most versatile meat, it can be marinated, roasted, barbecued, pan-fried, stir-fried, grilled, dry rubbed, boiled and baked. No matter how you fix it, pork is a protein-packed treat. Cheryl Day shares some facts about pork that animal health pros may find useful and … [Read more...]
October is National Pork Month (slide gallery)
The designation of October as pork month marks a time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed. The United States is the third-largest pork-producing country, following China and the European Union. Pork is safe, efficient, environmentally friendly and a superior source of protein. Source: National Hog Farmer, October 1, 2017. According to an analysis by the USDA, pork … [Read more...]
Leman conference honors Morrison, urges co-opetition
The 2017 Leman Swine Conference, which ended September 28, was dedicated to the legacy of Bob Morrison, a student of Allen D. Leman who died recently in a tragic accident. His concepts of learning and working together were evident throughout the sessions. Source: National Hog Farmer, September 22, 2017. Kevin Shultz reports that Leman 2017 did not disappoint. It offered … [Read more...]
Kids and pigs at World Pork Expo (photo gallery)
Many expo attendees never see this side of the World Pork Expo. If you’ve never been in a hog barn at the expo, a state or local fair, this is a good way to experience some of the sights. The senses for sounds and smells are left out, but the action is truly a testament to the next generation of hog producers. We dare you not to smile! Source: National Hog Farmer, June … [Read more...]
Opinion – Virus detection reinforces sanitation
There’s a lesson here for all animal health pros. Diseases are easily spread. Consider how many times we forget that one of the more important roles of veterinary medicine and animal husbandry prevention processes is population control. Congratulations to this multi-disciplined team of researchers whose persistence has identified potential for disease contamination in trucks … [Read more...]
Editorial: Crowding nursery pigs negatively impacts performance
There has been a large amount of research studying the effects of space allowances on grow-finish pigs. However, little information is available about the effects on nursery pigs. Production management systems, facility constraints and establishing optimal space allowance requirements for pigs requires economic, health and welfare considerations. Sometimes, articles titled … [Read more...]
2017 Masters of the Pork Industry
This issue celebrates the innovation and dedication of pork industry leaders whose commitments have established deep roots in and influencing the pork industry. Read the career choices and experiences of: Jan Archer, President of National Pork Board Kent Swartz, Iowa State Diagnostic Lab Brad Freking, DVM, New Fashion Pork Max Rodibaugh, DVM, Swine Health … [Read more...]
Study suggests potential for pathogen transmission via feed
In preliminary findings, a study conducted by Pipestone Applied Research and South Dakota State University shows the potential for PRRS and other viruses to contaminate and survive in feed ingredients, including soybean meal and dried distillers’ grains. Source: National Hog Farmer, May 12, 2017. The study results suggest a subset of contaminated feed ingredients could … [Read more...]
NHF Blueprint dives into antibiotic research
All animal health pros can gain valuable perspectives on the issues surrounding antibiotics and how to decrease or avoid their use in this Blueprint from National Hog Farmer. Though dedicated to swine production, the research has parallel meaning in other monogastric mammals. Source: National Hog Farmer, April 2017. This Blueprint issue examines antimicrobial use, … [Read more...]
Swine Science Online offers opportunity for students, current producers
Leading universities are collaborating to ensure the pork industry is led and managed by individuals who have broad educational and production experiences that prepare them for these roles. The effort, Swine Science Online, teaches scientific principles and management skills involved in pork production for an efficient and sustainable operation. Source: National Hog Farmer, … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the pigs
Collectively, swine veterinarians are helping producers and the swine industry deal with added regulation and transparency issues driven by consumers. But, recent discussions at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual conference included reminders that their primary role is to advocate for the pig and pig caretaker. Source: National Hog Farmer, February 28, … [Read more...]
Training important for sows and gilts in group housing
The success of the group housing movement in swine production will depend on training sows and gilts, according to researchers at Kansas State University. Monitoring feed efficiency by individual sow is but one of the factors that complicates the changes in sow and gilt management. In one study, gilts spent 10 weeks in pre-training, two weeks in training, then moved into … [Read more...]
Swine industry audits ensure safe pork
Consumer demand continues to grow for certified safe foods. The National Pork Board responded to these demands by developing an extension of the Pork Quality Assurance Plus certification called the Common Swine Industry Audit. Source: National Hog Farmer, January 2017. The CSIA, certified by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) in October of … [Read more...]
PRRS has lingering negative impact
It is no surprise to learn that PRRS has a measurable long-term impact on pork production and economics. A study by Pablo Valdes-Donoso and Andres Perez, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, shows that although the number of farms has decreased, and the number of animals and the level of specialization has … [Read more...]
Pig producers are VFD ready
In a survey conducted by the National Pork Board in November, 95 percent of pig farmers surveyed said that they were ready to be fully compliant by the time the rules took effect on Jan. 1, 2017. Source: National Hog Farmer, January 9, 2017. Jan Archer, NPB president and a pig farmer from Goldsboro, N.C. noted a key hurdle in complying with new FDA rules is ensuring that … [Read more...]
Tail docking still best practice in swine
The issue to dock or not dock the tail has been under scrutiny. The standard operating procedure of tail docking, performed to prevent the common problem of tail biting, is also criticized for inflicting pain. A University of Minnesota research team took another look at the consequences of raising pigs without tail docking under modern, confinement housing system conditions. … [Read more...]
Study looks at group housing for sows
Consumers have been driving the conversation about the use of group housing for sows. The swine industry has been hesitant to adopt this practice because of concerns over sow aggression and lack of control over individual feed intake. Source: National Hog Farmer, December 28, 2016. For producers, this means that a variety of mixing options can be used successfully for sows … [Read more...]
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found on sow farm
In early December, a research team from The Ohio State University announced that they had discovered the first transmissible carbapenem-resistant enterobactericeae in U.S. livestock on a farrow-to-finish operation. This discovery is a stark reminder of the importance of having the veterinary-client-patient relationship in order as the deadline for the VFD implementation looms … [Read more...]
Microbiome may hold key to antibiotic alternatives
Microbiome describes the community of microorganisms that live on the skin and mucosal surfaces of animals. Kansas State University researchers are studying the microbiome in a PRRS-endemic swineherd. As our industry seeks new alternatives to antibiotics, the microbiome holds potential for discovery. The gut microbiome houses the majority of these microorganisms and is critical … [Read more...]
Volunteers help monitor foreign animal diseases
Risk management is a critical element of swine production. Kevin Schulz reviews the work and challenges of managing and prioritizing the Swine Disease Matrix that provides a global view of swine pathogens. The matrix is a result of work from the newly formed Swine Health Information Center’s volunteers who comprise the Swine Health Monitoring and Analysis Working … [Read more...]
Healthy gut, healthy pig
The gut of a pig contains 70 percent of his immune system, which makes it a crucial barrier to keep out pathogens and toxins. The investment to support gut health pay offs by helping to set up the pig for lifetime production and performance. Source: National Hog Farmer, November 11, 2016. To work toward a pig’s optimal health and to give the young pig the best chance to … [Read more...]
It’s the fans — no pun intended
Ventilation is a critical component to the health of a swine herd. As veterinarians and representatives working with swine productions personnel, consider the importance of discussing ventilation and filtration as part of the herd health strategies. Source: National Hog Farmer, September 23, 2016. Barry Kerkaert, veterinarian with Pipestone Veterinary Services in Minnesota, … [Read more...]
New resource helps people understand expanded feed directive
Human and animal health experts agree that antibiotic resistance is a public health concern. This is why some agriculture groups, including the Animal Health Institute, National Pork Producers Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Animal Agriculture Alliance launched a new educational website, togetherABX. It offers information about how the Food and Drug … [Read more...]