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Canada develops plan to market hogs during ASF outbreak
Feb 01, 2022Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Canada develops plan to market hogs during ASF outbreak
Efforts are underway in Canada to develop an ASF-Free Compartments strategy allowing farms to market hogs in the event of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak.
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How to manage herd closure for PRRS elimination
Jan 30, 2022Jennifer GrullonComments Off on How to manage herd closure for PRRS elimination
Herd closures to eliminate porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) are on the increase due in part to the virulent variant identified as PRRS 1-4-4 L1C.
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Global TOPICS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, Respiratory Health, TOP NEWS, Videos
Start with the gilt-development unit for Mhp elimination
Jan 20, 2022Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Start with the gilt-development unit for Mhp elimination
US pig producers have made a big push to eliminate Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) from their herds as a way to capture more value in finishing pigs.
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Little-known sapovirus causes diarrhea in baby pigs
Jan 06, 2022Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Little-known sapovirus causes diarrhea in baby pigs
A couple of puzzling cases of diarrhea in baby pigs that didn’t test positive for the usual culprits were recently identified through genome sequencing as a porcine sapovirus.
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Johnson: Make your farm a biosecurity fortress
Dec 21, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Johnson: Make your farm a biosecurity fortress
From the person doing the power washing to the owner of the farm business, everyone involved in a pork-production system plays a vital role in keeping the operation safe and secure.
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M. hyo elimination or control: ‘We have the tools to succeed’
Dec 21, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on M. hyo elimination or control: ‘We have the tools to succeed’
Hog farmers and veterinarians no longer have to accept the poorer performance that results from M. hyo infection. Whether the decision is to control or eliminate M. hyo, there are numerous tools...
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Understanding which farm factors drive Influenza infection
Dec 17, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Understanding which farm factors drive Influenza infection
US producers and veterinarians have seen an influx of different types of influenza viruses in the last 10 to 15 years, and that is a major reason why influenza is more difficult to control.
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Well-developed gilts create foundational success
Dec 17, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Well-developed gilts create foundational success
For replacement gilts to be successful, the farm needs a well-established, well-managed and continually maintained plan, said Joel Sparks, DVM, with AMVC in Audubon, Iowa.
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8 ways to boost immunity in livestock
Dec 10, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on 8 ways to boost immunity in livestock
Victor Cortese, DVM, PhD, drew on his decades of field experience and expertise in immunology to offer tips for optimizing immunity in swine herds in the face of IAV-S.
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Five ways to get weaned pigs off to a good start
Dec 03, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Five ways to get weaned pigs off to a good start
Getting pigs off to a good start is both an art and science, and even under the best of circumstances it can be challenging. It’s even more difficult this year due to COVID-19.
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Managing Strep suis in commercial pig production
Dec 03, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Managing Strep suis in commercial pig production
Most, if not all, pigs harbor some strains of Strep suis. Lately, challenges by the bacteria appear to be on the rise, but that could be interpreted as a positive.
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Research confirms co-circulation of multiple influenza strains
Nov 19, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Research confirms co-circulation of multiple influenza strains
Influenza A virus in swine (IAV-S) is increasingly challenging for US producers, primarily because the epidemiology of IAV-S involves a highly diverse pool of viruses.
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Late-weaned, parity-1 sows benefit from skipped cycle
Nov 11, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Late-weaned, parity-1 sows benefit from skipped cycle
Gilts entering a farrowing room face some big demands for animals still maturing while supporting their first litters. Skipping a breeding cycle can let these sows put on weight and become more...
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Biosecurity needs regular maintenance to keep out disease
Oct 27, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Biosecurity needs regular maintenance to keep out disease
A hog operation’s biosecurity plan needs regular attention to prevent lapses that can lead to a devastating outbreak. How do you make biosecurity a priority and reduce disease outbreaks?
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Reduce sow mortality with documentation and intervention
Oct 20, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Reduce sow mortality with documentation and intervention
The cause of high sow-mortality rates may be tough to determine, but producers can take steps to address the problems and lower rates, according to Randy Jones, DVM, Four Star Veterinary Service.
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3 steps to prepare your herd for influenza season
Oct 01, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on 3 steps to prepare your herd for influenza season
Pigs can contract influenza anytime during the year but more influenza circulates in the fall and winter months. That’s why producers should prepare ahead of the traditional flu season.
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How to tackle mortality-causing lameness in finishing hogs
Sep 15, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on How to tackle mortality-causing lameness in finishing hogs
Lameness is now the leading cause of mortality in mid- to late-finishing pigs. How did lameness develop into such a big problem?
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Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, Research, TOP NEWS, Videos
New approaches to influenza control look promising
Sep 11, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on New approaches to influenza control look promising
Influenza-A virus of swine (IAV-S) is a thorn in the side of US pork producers, and it’s a difficult thorn to remove. If the virus were more pathogenic, veterinarians and producers would probably...
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Sow mortality records need an overhaul
Sep 10, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Sow mortality records need an overhaul
The upward trendline of sow mortality needs to be addressed. But until farms have a clearer understanding of why a gilt or sow leaves the breeding herd, progress will be limited.
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Herd-status classification is first step to Mycoplasma control
Sep 08, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Herd-status classification is first step to Mycoplasma control
By Lucina Galina Pantoja, DVM, PhD, Director, US Pork Technical Services, Zoetis
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Measuring the direct and indirect costs of sow mortality
Sep 04, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Measuring the direct and indirect costs of sow mortality
When breeding animals die, are culled prematurely, or need to be humanely euthanized, there are direct costs involved with the outcome, but the indirect costs are less obvious.
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Developing data-driven biosecurity programs
Aug 31, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Developing data-driven biosecurity programs
Pablo Moreno, DVM, Swine Veterinary and Production International Service LLC, recently spoke with Pig Health Today about implementing best biosecurity practices.
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Gilt selection: Too often overlooked in the sow mortality equation
Aug 25, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Gilt selection: Too often overlooked in the sow mortality equation
One way to advance sow productivity and longevity is to select the right replacement-gilt candidates and prepare them properly for the job ahead.
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Parasites persist in hog production, especially in niche markets
Aug 21, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Parasites persist in hog production, especially in niche markets
Environmentally controlled hog facilities eliminated most swine parasites. But Ascaris suum (roundworm) continues to persevere on some conventional farms and frequently on farms for niche markets....
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Diagnostics, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Pig Welfare, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Early identification critical in preventing sow lameness
Aug 19, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Early identification critical in preventing sow lameness
Sow lameness continues to trouble hog operations in the US, causing high numbers of involuntary removals from herds.
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Caregivers play a leading role in individual sow care and longevity
Aug 10, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Caregivers play a leading role in individual sow care and longevity
Caregiver management and training are top priorities on swine farms as productivity hinges on the outcome. Yet few things are more challenging.
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FSVS, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, SVC, TOP NEWS, Videos
Water: An often-overlooked factor in pig health
Aug 09, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Water: An often-overlooked factor in pig health
Water doesn’t get the attention it deserves because it is abundant, easy to access and inexpensive, but that will change in the future, said John Patience, PhD, professor at Iowa State University.
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Swine experts discuss sow-care challenges, solutions and future needs
Aug 05, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Swine experts discuss sow-care challenges, solutions and future needs
The sow herd is the engine that drives a hog farm’s downstream productivity. But since the 1990s, sow mortality has been on the rise across the country.
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Breeding Herd, FSVS, Global TOP NEWS, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Pig Welfare, SVC, TOP NEWS
Sow mortality trends: Experts dissect the current state of affairs
Aug 05, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Sow mortality trends: Experts dissect the current state of affairs
Keeping sow mortality rates in check is critical to a farm’s productivity and cost structure. Yet in recent years, the US pork industry has seen sow mortality rise.
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Tools for managing pigs without antibiotics
Aug 04, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Tools for managing pigs without antibiotics
Raising pigs without antibiotics requires extra management and different tools compared to traditional commercial hog production.
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Reducing PRRS outbreaks by using air filtration: What you need to know
Jul 20, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Reducing PRRS outbreaks by using air filtration: What you need to know
Jeff Feder, DVM, with Swine Vet Center, has spent 15 years fine-tuning filtration systems in client hog barns. Today, Feder has records to prove air filtration does reduce outbreaks of disease like...
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Breeding Herd, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Pig Welfare, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Combat seasonal infertility with strong husbandry
Jun 02, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Combat seasonal infertility with strong husbandry
Seasonal infertility continues to be a widespread problem for sow herds across the US. And if you don’t have a problem with seasonal infertility, it may mean you are not recognizing it.
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Global TOP NEWS, Growing Pigs, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Connor: Innovation driven by necessity and opportunity
Jun 01, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Connor: Innovation driven by necessity and opportunity
The pork industry has had a tremendous number of innovations over the years, said Joe Connor, DVM. Connor, who serves as a consultant within Carthage Veterinary Services, is a pioneer in pig...
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Highlights of flu-management strategies meeting now available
May 15, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Highlights of flu-management strategies meeting now available
A special report from Pig Health Today, “Integrated Flu Management: New Strategies for Control,” reports on key presentations by experts in influenza A virus in swine (IAV-S) and features...
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Individual sow care offers benefits throughout the farm
Feb 10, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Individual sow care offers benefits throughout the farm
Pig health and performance begin with the sow, which is why it’s critical for caregivers and production managers to evaluate each sow’s health, body condition, comfort, behavior and well-being...
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Swine disease-outbreak investigations identify hazards and on-farm risk events
Jan 31, 2021Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Swine disease-outbreak investigations identify hazards and on-farm risk events
Biosecurity has become the all-inclusive protector of swine herd health. But even with all the biosecurity research, protocols and training, disease outbreaks occur regularly. Why is that?
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Ventilation systems need winter check-up to keep pigs healthy
Dec 09, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Ventilation systems need winter check-up to keep pigs healthy
Ventilation systems in hog buildings need regular check-ups to prevent environmental issues that can compromise pig health.
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Diagnostics, Emerging Diseases, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
From veterinarian to forensic detective: Solving a mysterious swine disease
Nov 20, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on From veterinarian to forensic detective: Solving a mysterious swine disease
In fall 2019, a client called Four Star Veterinary Service clinic in Mexico, IN, and reported the loss of a lot of sows. Daniel Gascho, DVM, had several ideas of what could cause the sow mortalities....
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How to reduce wean-to-finish mortality: Part 2 — Implement your plans
Nov 17, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on How to reduce wean-to-finish mortality: Part 2 — Implement your plans
In Part 2 of this two-part series, Ryan Strobel, DVM, and Chris Sievers, DVM, with the Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minnesota, share implementation strategies to lower wean-to-finish mortality rates.
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How to reduce wean-to-finish mortality: Part 1 — Plan your strategies
Nov 11, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on How to reduce wean-to-finish mortality: Part 1 — Plan your strategies
High wean-to-finish mortality continues to trouble the pork industry. While lowering rates is possible, it’s not easy.
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Client stress key factor in swine health programs
Nov 02, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Client stress key factor in swine health programs
While their schooling focused on pigs, veterinarians on the job spend a lot of time working with clients and members of their staff.
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Three ways to assess your herd’s ‘positive welfare state’
Oct 30, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Three ways to assess your herd’s ‘positive welfare state’
The “Five Freedoms” have been the foundation for establishing sound animal welfare practices since they were developed in 1965. Now, more than 50 years later, researchers have additional tools...
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Swine veterinarian shares lessons learned from COVID-19 disruptions
Oct 23, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Swine veterinarian shares lessons learned from COVID-19 disruptions
Nothing in his lifetime could have prepared Paul Yeske, veterinarian at Swine Vet Center, for the painful fallout from COVID-19 that hit the clinic and its clients.
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Antibiotic Management, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Raising pigs without antibiotics offers niche market but with limitations
Oct 14, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Raising pigs without antibiotics offers niche market but with limitations
Markets for pork produced without antibiotics continue to grow. But this method of production is not for every farm.
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Biosecurity, FSVS, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, Research, SVC, TOP NEWS, Videos
Decontamination protocols fail to disinfect incoming hog supplies
Oct 11, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Decontamination protocols fail to disinfect incoming hog supplies
Biosecurity protocols are critical to keeping the US hog herd healthy, and one of the regular tasks is to disinfect a wide range of supplies entering the farm, but how effective are those protocols?
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Tackle post-weaning E. coli issues with aggressive cleaning, vaccination
Oct 06, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Tackle post-weaning E. coli issues with aggressive cleaning, vaccination
By Ryan Strobel, DVM, Swine Vet Center
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COVID-19 lesson for hog farms: Tighten up basic biosecurity
Sep 23, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on COVID-19 lesson for hog farms: Tighten up basic biosecurity
The COVID-19 outbreak reinforces what veterinarians and pork producers already know — biosecurity protocols control disease.
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Pork industry makes progress on pain management
Sep 20, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Pork industry makes progress on pain management
Pain management for pigs has always been a challenge, partly because it’s difficult to measure levels of pain and partly because there are no FDA-approved drugs labeled for pain management in pigs.
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Take a process-driven approach to influenza control
Aug 31, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments 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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FSVS, Global TOPICS, Growing Pigs, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, SVC, TOPICS, Zoetis News Center
Committing time, attention to pig’s first 24 hours key to health, uniformity
Aug 29, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Committing time, attention to pig’s first 24 hours key to health, uniformity
The farrowing room is a demanding place — one that needs to accommodate the divergent needs of a 500+-pound sow and her 10, 15 or 20 piglets weighing anywhere from 1.5 to 3 pounds.
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‘Controlled colonization’ builds immune response to bacterial pathogens
Aug 03, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on ‘Controlled colonization’ builds immune response to bacterial pathogens
Bacterial pathogens like Streptococcus suis and Haemophilus parasuis continue to cause major issues for growing and adult pigs. Dr. Brad Leuwerke offers some good solutions.
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FSVS, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, SVC, TOPICS, Videos
Addressing ‘unknown factors’ in sow mortality
Aug 01, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Addressing ‘unknown factors’ in sow mortality
Sow mortality has been on the rise in the US pork industry, reaching upwards of 15% in many sow-production systems, said Ashley Johnson, DVM, technical services veterinarian with Zoetis.
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Maintaining welfare standards in the face of a pandemic
Jul 02, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Maintaining welfare standards in the face of a pandemic
By Joseph F. Connor, DVM, MS Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd.
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Cutting your losses: When to treat and when to euthanize
Jun 10, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Cutting your losses: When to treat and when to euthanize
By Joseph F. Connor, DVM, MS Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd.
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What we learned from PED applies to COVID-19
Jun 08, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on What we learned from PED applies to COVID-19
Swine veterinarians and producers may feel déjà vu when they hear about the COVID-19 epidemic in the US.
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Managing pig flows when harvest capacity is restricted
Jun 05, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Managing pig flows when harvest capacity is restricted
By Joseph F. Connor, DVM, MS, Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd
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Diagnostics, Global TOPICS, Growing Pigs, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOPICS, Videos
Inadequate iron supplements cause subclinical anemia in weaned pigs
May 20, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Inadequate iron supplements cause subclinical anemia in weaned pigs
The standard 200 mg iron shot for baby pigs at processing may not be enough iron to last until weaning.
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Five ways to maintain pig growth in summer without ractopamine
Apr 01, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Five ways to maintain pig growth in summer without ractopamine
The summer months can be difficult for pigs — and producers. Pigs typically don’t grow as fast and feed efficiency often takes a hit. Much of the downturn is linked to heat stress, which costs US...
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Grow-finish mortalities require fast action followed by prevention plan
Mar 16, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Grow-finish mortalities require fast action followed by prevention plan
Nothing grabs the attention of a grow-finish unit and its veterinarian faster than an uptick in mortalities.
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FSVS, Global TOP NEWS, Growing Pigs, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, SVC, TOP NEWS, Videos
Ellis: No magic bullet to reduce pre-wean mortality
Feb 20, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Ellis: No magic bullet to reduce pre-wean mortality
Pre-wean mortality has increased over the last 15 years, and it’s a major concern for US pork producers and veterinarians.
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8 key factors drive success when raising pigs without antibiotics
Feb 18, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on 8 key factors drive success when raising pigs without antibiotics
Producers need to recognize there will always be health challenges when raising pigs without antibiotics. The goal is to resolve those challenges as they arise.
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Deen: Apply old lessons to new technologies
Feb 12, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Deen: Apply old lessons to new technologies
Classical education emphasizes the need for industries to adopt new technologies to keep up with external demands and constantly changing economic environments.
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Connor: Disease elimination can lower the cost of production
Feb 05, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Connor: Disease elimination can lower the cost of production
US producers have robust export markets and a lower cost of production than many other countries, but Joe Connor, DVM, says cost of production could be even lower.
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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, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments 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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New Individual Sow Care program from Zoetis aims to reduce losses, optimize performance and well-being
Jan 21, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on New Individual Sow Care program from Zoetis aims to reduce losses, optimize performance and well-being
Looking to help the U.S. pork industry raise the bar for performance and reverse the surge in sow mortality rates, Zoetis has introduced Individual Sow Care.
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Special Report: What’s behind the surge in sow mortality?
Jan 20, 2020Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Special Report: What’s behind the surge in sow mortality?
Sow mortality rates in the US have increased dramatically in recent years and now average about 15%. Pig Health Today talked with six experts about the alarming trend and, most important, what...
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Comprehensive, data-driven approach to lower wean-finish mortality
Dec 23, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Comprehensive, data-driven approach to lower wean-finish mortality
Identifying the source of wean-to-finish mortality can be a challenge, since factors affecting that stage of production may have originated earlier — on the sow farm, in the farrowing barn or at...
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Biosecurity, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, Respiratory Health, TOP NEWS, Videos
Fogging helps establish Day 0 for M. hyo elimination
Nov 25, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Fogging helps establish Day 0 for M. hyo elimination
Maintaining a healthy herd takes time, energy and constant emphasis on biosecurity, Amy Maschhoff, DVM, told Pig Health Today.
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Hit delete: Vet says you don’t have to live with mycoplasma
Nov 05, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Hit delete: Vet says you don’t have to live with mycoplasma
M. hyo is a bacterium that US producers don’t have to live with. Elimination can be successful and cost-effective.
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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, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments 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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Foreign animal diseases and the line of last resort
Oct 06, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Foreign animal diseases and the line of last resort
By Larry Rueff, DVM, Swine Veterinary Services, Greensburg, Indiana
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Feed, water, air and comfort: Keys to prevent tail biting
Sep 26, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Feed, water, air and comfort: Keys to prevent tail biting
Tail biting in pigs remains something of a mystery. What triggers a pig or pigs to bite tails? Why do some express this vice and others do not?
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Carthage swine veterinarian: Focus on individual pig care can benefit entire production system
Aug 30, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Carthage swine veterinarian: Focus on individual pig care can benefit entire production system
Taking care of every single pig seems like a daunting task when producers have hundreds or thousands of pigs under their care. Still, the rewards are well worth the effort.
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Global TOP NEWS, Gut Health, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Pipestone nutritionist highlights advancements to improve pig health
Aug 29, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Pipestone nutritionist highlights advancements to improve pig health
Producers know if a pig has good gut health in the nursery, it’s more likely to get off to a good start in the grow-finish barn. But with increased pressure on antibiotic use, nutritionists are...
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Global TOPICS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, Research, SVC, TOPICS, Videos
Phase I of pelvic organ prolapse study offers new insights
Aug 26, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Phase I of pelvic organ prolapse study offers new insights
A pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a dramatic, easy-to-identify event within the farrowing room. The difficult part is figuring out the cause and applying a solution.
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Smithfield veterinarian aims to connect dots on animal welfare
Aug 14, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Smithfield veterinarian aims to connect dots on animal welfare
For Mary Battrell, DVM, a swine veterinarian for Smithfield Foods, animal welfare is the connection between animal health, well-being and performance; and optimizing that connection improves...
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Positive interactions with sows reduce piglet crushing
Aug 13, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments 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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A simple scoring system can provide insights into tail biting and lameness
Jul 22, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on A simple scoring system can provide insights into tail biting and lameness
Tail biting and lameness directly impact the well-being of growing pigs, which in turn impacts their productivity and the farm’s economics.
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Antibiotic Management, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, SVC, TOP NEWS, Videos
Davies: Focus on optimizing antibiotic use, not volume
Jun 17, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Davies: Focus on optimizing antibiotic use, not volume
The US pork industry has a good track record for using antibiotics responsibly, but how should it be graded for its efforts? By volume? Types of antibiotics used? Resistance trends?
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Five challenges facing swine veterinarians — and how to address them
Jun 10, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Five challenges facing swine veterinarians — and how to address them
Today’s swine veterinarians are great multitaskers by necessity, said Deborah Murray, DVM, veterinary services manager, with New Fashion Pork, Jackson, Minnesota, at the 2019 AASV meeting.
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Early identification key to managing lameness in sow herds
May 30, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Early identification key to managing lameness in sow herds
By Claire LeFevre, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd., Carthage, Illinois
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Biosecurity, Global TOPICS, Interviews, News, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOPICS, Videos
Picking your battles is key to biosecurity success
May 13, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Picking your battles is key to biosecurity success
Biosecurity is one of those on-farm topics that gets a lot of time and attention, but it can easily fall apart in the day-to-day reality of managing pigs.
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What to do when emotions run high in a disease break
May 03, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on What to do when emotions run high in a disease break
Any way you look at it, going through a disease break on a farm is difficult. “The pigs are easy; it’s the people that make things difficult.”
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Reducing stress can aid pig health, performance
May 02, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Reducing stress can aid pig health, performance
Pigs can get stressed, just like people, and the impact can be just as serious.
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Multiple infections? It’s important to get to the root cause
Apr 08, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Multiple infections? It’s important to get to the root cause
Disease management can be challenging. You have a list of possible causes, but unless you get to the root cause, those symptoms are likely to recur.
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Can’t we just let boars be boars?
Mar 28, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Can’t we just let boars be boars?
By Larry Rueff, DVM Swine Veterinary Services Greensburg, Indiana
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Action plan, training keys to humane euthanasia of pigs
Mar 27, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Action plan, training keys to humane euthanasia of pigs
A critical part of humane animal care on pig farms is responsible and timely euthanasia. However, identifying individuals for the job, training them and having a plan to carry out the process can...
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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, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments 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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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, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments 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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A question of when: How the US pork industry is preparing for a possible FAD outbreak
Feb 14, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on A question of when: How the US pork industry is preparing for a possible FAD outbreak
This is the second in a two-part series on foreign animal diseases. Part 1 looks at the economic impact of a FAD outbreak.
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Managing pain, Strep suis infection in baby pigs critical for welfare
Jan 30, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Managing pain, Strep suis infection in baby pigs critical for welfare
The US pork industry has demonstrated high standards for animal welfare, but there is still much to learn about mitigating pain — not only during processing, but also pain resulting from Strep...
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Antibiotic Management, Global TOPICS, Interviews, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOPICS, Videos
Nerem: Shift focus to responsible antibiotic use, not arbitrary reductions
Jan 16, 2019Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Nerem: Shift focus to responsible antibiotic use, not arbitrary reductions
Some retailers and foodservice companies are asking for animals that have never received antibiotics (“no antibiotics ever” or NAE), but that request fails to recognize that animals — like...
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Antibiotic Management, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Tyson VP: ‘Antibiotic issue is far from black and white’
Dec 19, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Tyson VP: ‘Antibiotic issue is far from black and white’
Producer and consumer choice are equally important when it comes to producing quality pork products — and it’s important not to put limits on either of them, according to Kent Harrison, vice...
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Antibiotic Management, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Pork industry needs to balance animal well-being with antibiotic pressures
Dec 05, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Pork industry needs to balance animal well-being with antibiotic pressures
After 37 years of swine veterinary practice, John Baker, DVM, Boonville, Indiana, sees producers and veterinarians entering a new era in antibiotic management — one that focuses not on arbitrarily...
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Scientist ‘pops the hood’ on US pork industry’s newest vaccine for PCV2
Nov 28, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Scientist ‘pops the hood’ on US pork industry’s newest vaccine for PCV2
What is “cell-mediated immunity” and how does it affect vaccine performance? Are two PCV2 genotypes necessarily better than one? And what does a monster from Greek mythology have to do with...
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Good nutrition, management can’t replace antibiotics, but they can help reduce the need
Nov 26, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Good nutrition, management can’t replace antibiotics, but they can help reduce the need
Producers looking to raise pigs with little or no antibiotics should consider nutritional strategies that help pigs build more immunity, according to Mike Tokach, PhD.
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See it, do it, teach it: Veterinarian offers tips for caregiver training
Nov 05, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on See it, do it, teach it: Veterinarian offers tips for caregiver training
When you give someone something to read, the expressed competency level is about 10%. When you talk to them on the phone, it’s only 20%. But if that person sees a colleague do something a certain...
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Strep suis resurfacing to challenge high-health herds
Oct 11, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments 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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Tips for proper selection of cleaning, disinfection products
Aug 30, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Tips for proper selection of cleaning, disinfection products
By Neal Benjamin, DVM Carthage Veterinary Service Carthage, Illinois
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Employee training improves piglet-survival rates
Aug 14, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Employee training improves piglet-survival rates
An employee-training program focused on online training followed by tracked, in-barn verification experiences helped a start-up farm achieve top piglet-survival rates, according to a study.
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Tips for successful oral-fluid sampling for PRRSV
Aug 08, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Tips for successful oral-fluid sampling for PRRSV
Oral-fluid sampling is an easy way to detect PRRSV or track changes in PRRSV infections in populations — and it can optimize your survey efforts by keeping a few simple tips in mind.
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Training staff to spot sick pigs early leads to higher performance, lower mortality
Aug 03, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Training staff to spot sick pigs early leads to higher performance, lower mortality
Pig health is critical for maintaining animal welfare and ensuring a steady supply of safe and affordable pork.
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2018 Leman Conference features ‘science-based solutions’ for pork production
Jul 12, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on 2018 Leman Conference features ‘science-based solutions’ for pork production
Organized by the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the annual 4-day Allen D. Leman Swine Conference offers scientific and practical information on a broad range of swine...
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SPECIAL REPORT: Heat wave shines spotlight on pig stress
Jul 02, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on SPECIAL REPORT: Heat wave shines spotlight on pig stress
Each year, heat stress costs US pig farmers about $900 million in revenues - about twice the amount lost to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.
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Two tactics to reduce stillborns and improve piglet survival
Jun 24, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments 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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Three simple, effective ways to help hogs beat the heat this summer
Jun 21, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Three simple, effective ways to help hogs beat the heat this summer
For many reasons, including historically warmer weather and the fact that sows now produce bigger litters, pigs are more susceptible to heat stress, which could potentially affect their performance...
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Adjusting swine feed rations helps ensure weight gains during hot weather
Jun 19, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Adjusting swine feed rations helps ensure weight gains during hot weather
As temperature and humidity levels rise in the summer months, so does the threat of heat stress in the swine herd.
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Heat stress: How much does it drain your pigs and profits?
Jun 16, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Heat stress: How much does it drain your pigs and profits?
Each year, heat stress costs US pig farmers about $900 million in revenues — about twice the amount lost as a result of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
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‘False alarms’ by Seneca Valley virus trigger costly FMD investigations
May 25, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on ‘False alarms’ by Seneca Valley virus trigger costly FMD investigations
A growing number of Seneca Valley virus (SVV) outbreaks wastes the time and money of people who investigate suspected foreign animal-disease outbreaks.
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‘Coopetition’ healthy for pork industry
Apr 09, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on ‘Coopetition’ healthy for pork industry
Teaming up to share ideas and troubleshoot swine-health issues can be good for pork producers and the industry, said Joel Nerem, DVM, a swine veterinarian with Pipestone Veterinary Services,...
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Antibiotic Management, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
Antibiotic stewardship: What can the pork industry learn from human medicine?
Apr 07, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Antibiotic stewardship: What can the pork industry learn from human medicine?
With so much attention being placed on antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, animal agriculture can sometimes feel as if it’s the only target. However, human medicine also is getting an...
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Antibiotic Management, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Podcasts, TOP NEWS, Videos
How close are we to having a Strep suis vaccine for pigs?
Mar 26, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on How close are we to having a Strep suis vaccine for pigs?
Although antibiotics provide a treatment option for Streptococcus suis — a common, widespread bacterium in swine — long-term management hinges on an effective vaccine.
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More planning required for feed medications in new VFD era
Mar 19, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on More planning required for feed medications in new VFD era
Planning, paperwork and prevention are the priorities on hog farms in response to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded veterinary feed directive (VFD), which came onto the scene in...
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Pig care, disease prevention are top goals for this vet
Jan 25, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Pig care, disease prevention are top goals for this vet
In a video produced as part of the Vets on Call series, Dr. Paul Ruen explains that pigs are social creatures who like to be in groups.
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Individual pig care offers path to better health, uniformity
Jan 22, 2018Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Individual pig care offers path to better health, uniformity
Making pig uniformity part of the management strategy from birth can maximize profitability throughout the growth cycle.
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Pig care: If there’s something off, don’t try to ‘look him well’
Dec 07, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Pig care: If there’s something off, don’t try to ‘look him well’
Watching pigs may not be glamorous or stimulating, but it’s a responsibility that Bob Blomme, DVM, takes very seriously.
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Practicing precision animal health
Dec 05, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Practicing precision animal health
Ross Kiehne, DVM, practices what he calls “precision animal health.” “I’m only going to provide the vaccine or antibiotic that’s right for the pig at that time in its life to make it as...
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Yeske: Provide better pig care — one animal at a time
Nov 26, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Yeske: Provide better pig care — one animal at a time
Taking time to walk the pens, make eye contact with each pig and pull the sick ones for individual care seems to conflict with inherent efficiencies associated with population medicine.
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ISU scientists pinpoint indicators of acute pain in neonatal pigs
Oct 25, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on ISU scientists pinpoint indicators of acute pain in neonatal pigs
Indicators of acute pain in piglets have been identified by researchers from Iowa State University (ISU).
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Currently available vaccines important tools for managing PEDV-infected sow herds
Aug 18, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Currently available vaccines important tools for managing PEDV-infected sow herds
Currently available vaccines can be important tools for managing sow herds endemically infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV).
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Heat stress: It’s not just for market hogs
Jul 12, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Heat stress: It’s not just for market hogs
Losses due to heat stress are commonly associated with market hogs, particularly during transportation in the hot, humid summer months, but recent research shows that weaners and feeder pigs are...
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Can soluble dietary fiber reduce the need for antimicrobials in nursery diets?
Jun 21, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Can soluble dietary fiber reduce the need for antimicrobials in nursery diets?
Increased soluble fiber in pig diets shows promise as an alternative for growth-promoting antimicrobials in nursery diets, according to Eric Burrough, DVM, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Iowa State...
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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, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments 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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Hanor swine vet: Food animals deserve the same care and treatment as pets
Jun 16, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Hanor swine vet: Food animals deserve the same care and treatment as pets
Pigs are “very cool” animals — they’re all curious and very friendly from the time they’re baby pigs to sows and boars, explains Tara Donovan, DVM, company veterinarian for Hanor Company.
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Fine-tune ventilation, evaporation to combat heat stress in pigs
Jun 06, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Fine-tune ventilation, evaporation to combat heat stress in pigs
Without the ability to sweat, pigs must rely on conduction, convection, radiation, and respiration/evaporation to remove body heat. Forcing air across a wet pig — the process of convection and...
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Understanding animal behavior helps ensure better piglet care
May 19, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Understanding animal behavior helps ensure better piglet care
Watching 21-day old piglets that just left their mothers being placed in a nursery barn takes a special “sixth” sense to understand what they’re feeling.
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Antibiotic Management, Global TOPICS, Growing Pigs, PGT GLOBAL, PGT US, Pig Care, Vets on Call, Videos
Technology, veterinary care helping to improve pig health, production on Illinois swine farm
May 19, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Technology, veterinary care helping to improve pig health, production on Illinois swine farm
Ness farm pigs get dessert before dinner. The Ness’ production system uses a liquid byproduct from an ice cream manufacturer to supply fat and energy to their pigs’ diet.
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Swine vet: Factory-farm concept ‘couldn’t be further from the truth’
May 19, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Swine vet: Factory-farm concept ‘couldn’t be further from the truth’
Today the term factory farm is used very widely, and most people think machines are making pigs, notes Seth Krantz, DVM, company veterinarian for Tosh Farms.
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Piglet pain control during castration still needs answers
May 17, 2017Jennifer GrullonComments Off on Piglet pain control during castration still needs answers
Castrating male piglets to prevent boar taint at market age is a common occurrence on US hog farms. However, as consumer interest in on-farm practices and animal welfare grows, producers will need...