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Deen: We’re underestimating the cost of sow mortality
When a sow doesn’t reach her full potential, the cost to the farm and the income stream of the sow herd is often “grossly underestimated,” said John Deen, DVM, PhD, University of Minnesota.
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New group prepares for possible ASF outbreak
The new Swine Health Improvement Program developed by pork producers, state veterinarians and USDA is designed to help the pork industry maintain exports in the face of a foreign animal disease...
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Don’t forget biocontainment of disease when following biosecurity plans
The latest disease outbreaks fueled by new disease variants are good reminders that the best biosecurity plans must include strategies to keep disease contained within a barn as well as ways to...
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Advances in sampling offer greater success in enteric disease control
Producers and veterinarians should “begin with the end in mind” when it comes to diagnosing disease and planning control strategies, according to Eric Burrough, DVM, PhD, associate professor and...
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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
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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People play a key role in influenza control
Farm staff should be mindful of the role they play in controlling influenza. A University of Minnesota study showed that more than a quarter of farm staff tested influenza-positive at work during...
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Techniques to curtail rising sow-lameness problems
Sow-lameness issues are on the rise, especially for sows in group housing, according to Michael Pierdon, VMD, Four Star Veterinary Service.
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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
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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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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Internal biosecurity essential to endemic disease control on pig farms
Establishing effective internal biosecurity protocols is critical to breaking the circular spread of influenza and other pathogens between sow farms and growing sites, according to Montserrat...
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Testing feed-storage time and temperature to reduce virus survival risk
Swine viruses have been shown to hitch a ride in feed and feed ingredients, thereby increasing the infection risk. To address this, the swine industry has applied a range of mitigation techniques.
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Managing Mycoplasma’s persistence in finishing
A dry cough heard in a finishing unit usually indicates M. hyo is causing respiratory distress and reducing growth in pigs almost ready for market.
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Why it pays to conduct regular water-quality checkups
Water is as important for the growth and health of pigs as feed. As such, it makes sense to test a hog unit’s water just as frequently as the feed, according to Jim Kober, DVM, water...
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When swine medicine crossed over to human medicine
The tools used countless times to eradicate disease in sow herds and on hog farms became the tools to help pork packing plants reopen last spring after shutting down due to COVID-19.
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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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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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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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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...
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