Hog Production
Lean hog and pork cutout futures opened up sharply higher on Sept. 27, and for good reason, says Len Steiner of Steiner Consulting Group.
Research shows what technology, and in particular precision feeding, can do to improve efficiency in a commercial swine farm setting. So, what’s holding pork operations back from implementing precision feeding systems?
The impact of slower line speeds at packing plants may not be as bad as some economists expected this fall and fewer pigs due to PRRS outbreaks this year are one reason why.
A team of researchers at Iowa State University is focusing specifically on the use of antibiotics in hog production and the possible impact on antimicrobial resistance. And the key may be conservation prairie strips.
Swine influenza is a formidable opponent in swine herds. At the Leman Conference, Gustavo Lopez-Moreno explained how indirect transmission and management practices can facilitate transmission of this virus.
The World Organization for Animal Health confirmed an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) on the island of Haiti on Sept. 20. This is the first case of ASF virus reported in Haiti since 1984.
Biosecurity on the farm is like defending a fortress, explained Clayton Johnson, DVM, with Carthage Veterinary Service, during USDA’s African Swine Fever Action Week.
A “how-to” video on annual maintenance for the Hog Slat medicator
Between the pandemic forcing the shutdown of meat processing plants in 2020 and recent ransomware attacks on the nation’s largest meat supplier, some say concentration of the meat supply chain is a bad idea.
The U.S. swine industry realized they had to do something better after porcine epidemic diarrhea virus struck the country for the first time ever and left everyone wondering what just happened, says Paul Sundberg, DVM.
With the labor challenges facing the swine and pork processing plant industries, technology adoption seems to hold great promise. We asked five leaders to share what holds farmers back from incorporating more technology.
A strong weaned-pig market this summer indicates the magnitude of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) 1-4-4 variant outbreak in the U.S. pork industry.
Three drivers influence cost of production today: facilities, weaned pigs and feed. Feed cost accounts for over 60% of the total cost of production, so what can you do to keep it in check?
Germany is facing a long-term battle to eradicate African swine fever carried into the east of the country by wild animals, state and federal authorities said on Wednesday.
Sow reproductive performance drops off in the summer, and this year will be no different, according to Paul Yeske, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minnesota.
Evolving strains of porcine circovirus (PCV) mean careful monitoring and updating management strategies are key to controlling disease associated with the virus, said Clayton Johnson, DVM.
By creating accurate case definitions and sampling protocols, veterinarians are more likely to successfully detect pathogens and identify treatment options for enteric disease control, said Eric Burrough, DVM.
Sow diets cannot be formulated based on values for digestibility of phosphorus and calcium obtained in growing pigs, University of Illinois swine nutritionists say. Here’s why.
Management has a strong influence on age and weight considerations when it comes to producing a quality weaned pig. The people as well as the processes play a critical role.
Monarch Bioenergy, a joint venture between Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy, recently finished installing manure-to-energy technology on most of Smithfield’s Northern Missouri hog finishing farms.
Weaning weight and age can vary from operation to operation because many factors must be considered. There are, however, some important rules of thumb.
A new co-product of cheese production has recently become available as an alternative source of protein and amino acids in pig diets. University of Illinois researchers share the results of two recent experiments.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus can be introduced to pigs through the importation of contaminated feed products, confirms a new study performed by researchers from USDA ‘s Agricultural Research Service at Plum Island.
Lameness is the leading cause of mortality in mid- to late-finishing pigs. Even though mortality has improved, it is getting harder and harder to make continuous improvements, says Mike Eisenmenger, DVM.
Hog producers who may be discouraged to learn foggers don’t fully disinfect a supply room should not close the door on the biosecurity method yet. New research led by Erin Kettelkamp, DVM, found a better solution.
Every weaned pig has an impact on an operation’s end result. Industry leaders discuss the factors that go into producing a thrifty, quality weaned pig.
Health and management are necessary components in producing thrifty, quality weaned pigs. Focusing on females and paying attention to details can make all the difference.
Do you know the signs of African swine fever? Whether it’s China, the Dominican Republic or elsewhere, ASF doesn’t always present itself with clear symptoms.
From high path porcine reproductive and respiratory virus to Ebola virus, are you aware of the latest facts and information about swine disease threats?
Less than a week after the Dominican Republic confirmed cases of ASF, Dominican officials announced they will also slaughter tens of thousands of pigs after detecting outbreaks in 11 of the country’s 32 provinces.