USDA seeks comments on plans to modernize swine inspection
Feb 14, 2018Susan Spiegel
Spokespersons for USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made the rounds at the 2018 International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta to drum up support for proposed rules to...
Healthy, stress-free GI tract is key to pigs’ long-term health
Feb 12, 2018Susan Spiegel
A healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract is inextricably linked to the nervous system and is generally a strong predictor of a pig’s overall health, said a research veterinarian who specializes in...
High-risk viruses survive in feed, threaten US pork
Feb 09, 2018Susan Spiegel
An investigation initiated by the Pipestone System and Scott Dee, DVM, continues to uncover more information about the link between feed ingredients and foreign pathogen movement.
Pork producers need to proactively communicate with consumers to change the dialogue
Jan 15, 2018Susan Spiegel
Pork producers and swine veterinarians need to take a more active role in consumers’ food conversations for them to get an accurate picture of how pigs are raised, said Tamika Sims, PhD, director...
In-feed antibiotics best addressed on a case-by-case basis
Jan 15, 2018Susan Spiegel
Adjusting to changes in how and when to use in-feed antibiotics is an ongoing effort. While those products are still available under veterinarian supervision for prevention and treatment of a...
Food-chain specialist: Communicate the emotional side of pork production, not the technical
Jan 01, 2018Susan Spiegel
The food supply chain has changed dramatically in the past 20 years. “It’s so much more complex and consumer driven,” said Justin Ransom, supply chain strategist. “Today’s consumer can ask...
Balancing good and bad bacteria key to effective gut health, nutrient absorption
Dec 28, 2017Susan Spiegel
Developing techniques and tools to encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut is key to producing healthier pigs that require fewer antibiotics over the long term, according to swine...
Boar stud requires high health status, zero tolerance for biosecurity errors
Dec 21, 2017Susan Spiegel
A boar stud producing semen for thousands of sows needs to maintain excellent health with the highest level of biosecurity possible.
Pork producers gain ground against PRRS with reduced production losses
Dec 08, 2017Susan Spiegel
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains one of the most costly viruses infecting US herds. But an Iowa State University study showed the annual cost of PRRS dropped nearly $100...
Pig care: If there’s something off, don’t try to ‘look him well’
Dec 07, 2017Susan Spiegel
Watching pigs may not be glamorous or stimulating, but it’s a responsibility that Bob Blomme, DVM, takes very seriously.
