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Breeding Herd, FSVS, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Podcasts, SVC, TOP NEWS, Videos
Deen: Batch farrowing requires ‘different mindset’
Dec 16, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Deen: Batch farrowing requires ‘different mindset’
It appears batch farrowing is making a comeback, according to John Deen, DVM, PhD, distinguished global professor at the University of Minnesota.
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Take a process-driven approach to influenza control
Aug 31, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Take a process-driven approach to influenza control
US pork producers should strive to produce influenza-negative pigs if they want to see the benefits of increased productivity, reduced secondary infections and antibiotic use, reduced influenza...
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Breeding Herd, Diagnostics, FSVS, Global TOP NEWS, Growing Pigs, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Research, SVC, TOP NEWS
Pen-side diagnostic comparisons for nursed-off sows and fallback pigs
Jun 28, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Pen-side diagnostic comparisons for nursed-off sows and fallback pigs
For both the sow and piglet, an animal that does not perform to its potential or falls behind its counterparts will negatively impact the sow farm’s productivity and profitability.
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Breeding Herd, FSVS, Global TOP NEWS, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Research, Respiratory Health, SVC, TOP NEWS
Comparing diagnostic sampling prospects from M. hyo-positive-source boar studs
Jun 03, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Comparing diagnostic sampling prospects from M. hyo-positive-source boar studs
Many sow farms have undergone M. hyo elimination within their breeding herd, which makes it critical to understand the potential transmission risk from boar studs.
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Processing fluids provide an option to monitor PCV2 and PCVAD
May 16, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Processing fluids provide an option to monitor PCV2 and PCVAD
Effective PCV2 control relies on vaccination of healthy pigs before they become infected. This goal cannot be accomplished in unstable herds whose sows give birth to viremic pigs.
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Comparing PCV2 gilt vaccination protocols and progeny status
May 13, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Comparing PCV2 gilt vaccination protocols and progeny status
Porcine circovirus type 2 is the principal etiological agent of porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD), which can cost producers an estimated $3 to $4 per pig.
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Rotavirus infections lower weaned-pig weights by a pound
Apr 27, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Rotavirus infections lower weaned-pig weights by a pound
Rotavirus infections in pigs have been around for decades. But in the last several years, the virus has re-appeared, causing diarrhea in neonatal and post-weaned pigs that impedes their growth for...
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Study compares PRRSV antibody-sampling options for sows
Apr 24, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Study compares PRRSV antibody-sampling options for sows
When it comes to porcine reproductive and respiratory virus it’s important for the veterinarian and farm personnel to know the health status of a herd or barn.
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Batch farrowing makes a comeback on small- to medium-sized sow farms
Apr 22, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Batch farrowing makes a comeback on small- to medium-sized sow farms
The practice of farrowing sows in groups and not continuously is making a reappearance as small- to medium-sized sow farms seek ways to stay competitive.
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Tips to improve pen gestation for sows
Feb 03, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Tips to improve pen gestation for sows
Many pork producers successfully manage sows in group gestation pens after completing breeding and pregnancy checks in crates. Here are suggestions to help maximize sow productivity in pen gestation.
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Breeding Herd, Global TOP NEWS, Growing Pigs, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Lowering pre-wean mortality starts at day 1
Feb 03, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Lowering pre-wean mortality starts at day 1
Pre-wean mortality continues to be a challenge to producers across the industry as genetic improvements allow sows to be more prolific and achieve higher total born.
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Michigan switches to pen gestation; Ohio is next
Jan 31, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Michigan switches to pen gestation; Ohio is next
Hog operations in Michigan faced an April 1, 2020, deadline for switching from individual stalls to pens for sow gestation.
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Breeding Herd, Global TOP NEWS, Growing Pigs, Interviews, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Strategies to move more pigs from birth to harvest
Jan 10, 2020Susan SpiegelComments Off on Strategies to move more pigs from birth to harvest
Litter sizes on US hog farms have steadily increased, but that’s a good-news/bad-news development as those large litters often come at a price, which is more low-birthweight piglets.
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Breeding Herd, FSVS, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Podcasts, SVC, TOP NEWS, Videos
Researchers tackle survivability issues head-on
Nov 14, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Researchers tackle survivability issues head-on
One in three pigs born on US farms fail to reach market, according to Jason Ross, PhD, a professor of animal physiology at Iowa State University and director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center.
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Breeding Herd, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Podcasts, Respiratory Health, SVC, TOP NEWS, Videos
Mycoplasma elimination possible, but more difficult on farrow-to-finish sites
Nov 11, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Mycoplasma elimination possible, but more difficult on farrow-to-finish sites
With the right program in place, eliminating mycoplasma pneumonia is possible on many hog farms.
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Breeding Herd, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, SVC, TOP NEWS, Videos
Sow pads show promise for reducing shoulder sores, related infections
Nov 03, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Sow pads show promise for reducing shoulder sores, related infections
During farrowing and lactation, sows can easily develop shoulder sores, which in turn become infected. Could a little padding help?
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Positive interactions with sows reduce piglet crushing
Aug 13, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Positive interactions with sows reduce piglet crushing
Encouraging staff to have more direct involvement with managing and handling sows can have positive impacts on herd welfare and mortality rates, say scientists.
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Processing fluids hold promise for PCV2 testing on sow farms
Aug 06, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Processing fluids hold promise for PCV2 testing on sow farms
Understanding the pathogen status of a sow herd helps determine the prevention, control and treatment options to protect piglets as they grow. For PCV2 there is no treatment; however, vaccination is...
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Perineal scoring first clue to pelvic-organ prolapse in sow-mortality project
Apr 26, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Perineal scoring first clue to pelvic-organ prolapse in sow-mortality project
A large research project involving 104 US sow farms and 400,000 sows is expected to identify factors related to the recent increase in sow mortalities caused by pelvic-organ prolapses.
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Why did sow-mortality rates jump to 15%?
Apr 04, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Why did sow-mortality rates jump to 15%?
The spike in sow-mortality rates over the past decade has prompted the US pork industry to hunt for answers.
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Breeding Herd, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Inflammation, stress put pressure on sow longevity
Mar 25, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Inflammation, stress put pressure on sow longevity
In recent years, producers have focused on pigs per sow per year and number of pigs weaned to maximize profits, but increased litter size puts pressure on sow longevity.
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Carthage vets focusing on ‘regional’ IAV-S vaccination strategies for breeding herds
Mar 16, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Carthage vets focusing on ‘regional’ IAV-S vaccination strategies for breeding herds
As influenza viruses evolve, is there a more effective way to manage vaccinations for influenza A virus in swine?
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Mycoplasma control starts with stabilizing sow herd
Mar 14, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Mycoplasma control starts with stabilizing sow herd
Economic losses caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae run between $3 to $10 per finishing hog due to reduced pig performance, according to Elise Toohill, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Service.
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Breeding Herd, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Why sows leave the herd: Biological priorities and productivity
Feb 27, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Why sows leave the herd: Biological priorities and productivity
When it comes to sow productivity, culling and mortality issues, “the simple answer is there’s no simple answer,” John Deen, DVM, University of Minnesota swine epidemiologist, told Pig Health...
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Connor: No clear winner in pen- versus crate-gestation debate
Jan 22, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Connor: No clear winner in pen- versus crate-gestation debate
Sow housing during gestation continues to draw debate as some hog operations make a switch from crates to pens for gestation. The results are mixed.
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Yeske: Multiple factors contributing to rising sow-mortality rates
Jan 14, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Yeske: Multiple factors contributing to rising sow-mortality rates
The spike in sow-mortality rates in recent years has everyone in the US pork industry searching for answers. Don’t expect any simple solutions, however.
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Antibiotic Management, Breeding Herd, Emerging Diseases, Global TOP NEWS, Growing Pigs, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Respiratory Health, TOP NEWS
Streptococcus suis leads SHIC’s Swine Bacterial Disease Matrix list
Jan 07, 2019Susan SpiegelComments Off on Streptococcus suis leads SHIC’s Swine Bacterial Disease Matrix list
Viruses tend to get first priority when it comes to monitoring swine diseases and herd health, but bacteria can wreak just as much havoc.
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Needles & Sins: Sloppy vaccination protocols can jeopardize herd health, welfare, returns
Oct 19, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Needles & Sins: Sloppy vaccination protocols can jeopardize herd health, welfare, returns
Nick Zanger learned a few tough lessons about vaccine protocols shortly after he started managing three 2,500-head nursery-to-finishing buildings near Loraine, Illinois.
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Strep suis resurfacing to challenge high-health herds
Oct 11, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Strep suis resurfacing to challenge high-health herds
What’s old is new again — or at least that’s what some high-health herds are finding with Streptococcus suis (Strep suis).
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Seven tips for fine tuning sow feed efficiency
Oct 09, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Seven tips for fine tuning sow feed efficiency
Want to know what’s really impacting your bottom line? Get down to slat level, says a sow-management specialist. That’s where the less obvious feed-related factors could be stealing your ROI.
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Immunocastrated pigs eat less, convert more efficiently, so what’s holding them back in the US?
Jul 10, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Immunocastrated pigs eat less, convert more efficiently, so what’s holding them back in the US?
Imagine a corn field twice the size of Chicago. That’s what the pork industry could potentially save annually if it adopted an alternative to conventional castration. With about 55 million male...
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Two tactics to reduce stillborns and improve piglet survival
Jun 24, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Two tactics to reduce stillborns and improve piglet survival
Two midwestern sow operations recently discussed how each achieves high piglet-survival rates by using different techniques to attend farrowing.
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Piglets are key subpopulation in keeping IAV-S circulating
May 18, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Piglets are key subpopulation in keeping IAV-S circulating
When it comes to influenza A virus in swine (IAV-S), the relationship between the sow’s immune status and piglet protection remains perplexing.
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Yeske: Mycoplasma elimination ‘always a good strategy’
May 17, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Yeske: Mycoplasma elimination ‘always a good strategy’
Eliminating mycoplasma from a herd works well with a fast payback, even in hog-dense areas, according to research conducted by Paul Yeske, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minnesota.
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What’s driving the surge in sow mortality?
Apr 13, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on What’s driving the surge in sow mortality?
Sow mortality in US herds has trended upward in recent years, and identifying the reasons has frustrated producers and veterinarians alike.
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IPIC targeting losses from sow mortality
Apr 11, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on IPIC targeting losses from sow mortality
Healthy and productive sows help ensure profitable and efficient herds. So, when the sow mortality rate due to pelvic organ prolapse started to increase throughout the industry for no apparent...
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PRRSV in finishers may contribute to the disease on sow farms
Apr 09, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on PRRSV in finishers may contribute to the disease on sow farms
It’s time to consider the role finishing pigs play in the spread of PRRSV to sow farms.
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Breeding Herd, Global TOPICS, Interviews, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Podcasts, Respiratory Health, TOPICS, Videos
Batch farrowing offers smaller sow farms improved disease control
Apr 04, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Batch farrowing offers smaller sow farms improved disease control
Independent sow farms grouped together and using batch farrowing may be able to capture the same health advantages as a 5,000-sow farm with all-in, all-out production.
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Biosecurity, Breeding Herd, Emerging Diseases, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Podcasts, TOPICS, Videos
Cull-sow market endangers foreign animal-disease prevention
Mar 12, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Cull-sow market endangers foreign animal-disease prevention
The US cull-sow market could threaten containment plans if a foreign animal-disease (FAD) outbreak occurred in the US, according to Jim Lowe, DVM, associate professor at the University of Illinois.
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Colostrum intake at birth sets up pig for life
Feb 25, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Colostrum intake at birth sets up pig for life
How much colostrum a piglet consumes on day 1 impacts the pig’s performance for the rest of its life, according to a North Carolina State University study.
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Future vaccines rely on other pathways for delivery
Feb 25, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Future vaccines rely on other pathways for delivery
What developing technologies and products will make vaccine administration and compliance easier in the future?
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Pig vaccination 101
Feb 25, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on Pig vaccination 101
Employees can make a big difference in herd health by properly administering vaccines. But employees don’t always know the correct protocols and why vaccinations are so important.
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Breeding Herd, Global TOP NEWS, Growing Pigs, Interviews, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Podcasts, Respiratory Health, TOP NEWS, Videos
How long do mycoplasma-negative herds stay negative?
Feb 19, 2018Susan SpiegelComments Off on How long do mycoplasma-negative herds stay negative?
Most hog farms successfully stamp out mycoplasma pneumonia when they work with their veterinarian to eliminate the disease. The challenge is preventing reinfection.
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Boar stud requires high health status, zero tolerance for biosecurity errors
Dec 21, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on Boar stud requires high health status, zero tolerance for biosecurity errors
A boar stud producing semen for thousands of sows needs to maintain excellent health with the highest level of biosecurity possible.
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What you need to know about CSI auditors
Oct 12, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on What you need to know about CSI auditors
Anyone who owns hogs or hog buildings should expect a visit someday by an auditor who will conduct an animal-welfare and food-safety audit. Usually a packer or processor requests the audit, which is...
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Urine-sampling options make it easier to evaluate gilt and sow health
Sep 26, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on Urine-sampling options make it easier to evaluate gilt and sow health
Urine samples are an effective but underutilized diagnostic tool for evaluating the nutritional, physiological and health status of gilts and sows.
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Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae: ‘Fix the gilts, fix Mycoplasma’
Sep 25, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae: ‘Fix the gilts, fix Mycoplasma’
There’s a lot we think we know about M. hyo under field conditions, but there’s a paucity of peer-reviewed literature to support much of the conventional wisdom we swine veterinarians apply to...
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Scientists aim to breed out sow aggression
Aug 25, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on Scientists aim to breed out sow aggression
Scientists at Michigan State University (MSU) are hoping to help pig producers improve herd welfare thanks to a $1 million project aimed at finding ways to breed out sow aggression.
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IAV-S elimination in breed-to-wean herds is challenging — but possible
Jul 21, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on IAV-S elimination in breed-to-wean herds is challenging — but possible
Influenza A virus in swine (IAV-S) continues to present an ever-changing health challenge in breed-to-wean populations.
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Routes of Senecavirus A transmission identified in breeding herds
Jun 20, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on Routes of Senecavirus A transmission identified in breeding herds
A study of the way swine breeding herds were likely infected with Senecavirus A (SVA) underscores the importance of encouraging adherence to biosecurity procedures.
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Breeding Herd, Global TOPICS, Growing Pigs, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Porcine Circovirus, Research, TOPICS
Colostrum may be best sample for PCV2 on sow farms
Jun 20, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on Colostrum may be best sample for PCV2 on sow farms
Colostrum may be the best sample to test for determining whether porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is present in sow herds, according to researchers at Iowa State University (ISU).
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Time to reboot disease surveillance
May 19, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on Time to reboot disease surveillance
US pork production has gone through dramatic changes over recent decades, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the challenge that infectious disease presents. Swine veterinarians, researchers and...
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Oral fluids offer practical on-farm disease surveillance
May 18, 2017Susan SpiegelComments Off on Oral fluids offer practical on-farm disease surveillance
Monitoring the spread of a pathogen is one part of disease surveillance. But early identification is another part — arguably with growing importance as millions of pigs move across state lines each...