Hog Production
Preparation is the best defense, especially when it comes to an animal activist attack. Although no one wants to imagine an animal activist infiltrating their farm, having a plan in place is a wise practice.
As PRRS viruses continue to evolve, producers are often faced with a difficult decision regarding the sow farm’s long-term PRRS status.
Cash-traded feeder pig reported volume was below average this past week, with 5,400 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $71.45, up $1.64 per head from last week.
Cash-traded weaner pig volume was below average this week with 33,605 head being reported which is 63% of the 52-week average.
Cash-traded weaner pig reported volume was above average this past week, with 42,801 head reported. Cash weaner pig reported prices were $56.79, down $4.17 per head from last week.
The COVID-19 pandemic caught our world by surprise. That’s one reason why the Swine Health Information Center is focused on preventing or preparing for emerging diseases. No one wants to be surprised like that again.
Chinese scientists have found a natural mutation in the African swine fever virus they say could be less deadly than the strain that ravaged the world’s largest pig herd in 2018 and 2019.
A surge in hog disease outbreaks this winter in China, the world’s biggest pork producer, will slow the industry’s rapid recovery since the African swine fever contagion three years ago.
A veterinarian weighs in on filtration systems and shares how air filtration can reduce outbreaks of disease like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.
The basics of managing gilts for optimum pig production and longevity are well known. But successfully applying them requires meticulous attention to details, according to Jake Schwartz, DVM, Swine Vet Center.
A U.S. congressional panel is investigating three large meatpacking companies for possible worker-safety violations following reports that hundreds of industry workers have died of COVID-19.
Environmentally controlled hog facilities eliminated most swine parasites. But roundworm continues to persevere on some conventional farms and frequently on farms for niche markets.
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the country anything, it’s that there is a tremendous amount of synergy between the circumstances of a pandemic involving humans and those involving animals.
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 of animal science at Iowa State University.
Research points to the benefit of attended farrowing, but sometimes labor challenges stand in the way. If you could cut your stillborn rate in half, what is that worth?
Markets for pork produced without antibiotics continue to grow. But this method of production is not for every farm, cautions Michael Pierdon, VMD, veterinarian with Four Star Veterinary Service.
The pork industry has had a tremendous number of innovations over the years, said Joe Connor, DVM. He highlights innovation the pork industry is experiencing now or will see in the future in this two-part series.
The pork industry has had a tremendous number of innovations over the years, said Joe Connor, DVM. He highlights innovation the pork industry is experiencing now or will see in the future in this two-part series.
A new form of African swine fever identified in Chinese pig farms is most likely caused by illicit vaccines, industry insiders say, a fresh blow to the world’s largest pork producer.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, a farmer and businessman from southeast Iowa came up with an idea that has now grown into an expanding online marketplace known as ChopLocal.
COVID-19 vaccine development is progressing at an unprecedented pace. A new vaccine candidate has produced a strong antibody response in mice and pigs that could be vital to further development of COVID-19 vaccines.
Despite advances in genetics, health, nutrition and management, U.S. pig farmers are losing more than 10% of their pigs before they even hit the ground. Here are three tips to maximize pigs born alive.
Wild pig populations in Canada continue to expand rapidly and are completely out of control in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta. A new tool may help control this invasive species. Here’s why you should take note.
As the agriculture industry seeks more sustainable solutions and ingredients, a new technology is on the market to help feed manufacturers and producers globally measure and lower the carbon footprint of their feed.
As the animal protein industry continues to find innovative ways to decrease the carbon footprint of animal products, a new resource guide may help move those efforts forward.
The three main charges of the Swine Health Information Center haven’t changed throughout the past five years, but the stakes are getting higher as foreign animal disease threats increase pressure on the industry.
Porcine astrovirus type 3 has been causing central nervous system disease for at least a decade. Experts agree it’s difficult to diagnose and manage. Unfortunately, there’s not a playbook for this devastating virus.
Sow mortality has been making the headlines as producers grapple with rising sow death loss in the U.S. pork industry. Although the topic deserves discussion, some experts believe it is time to focus on gilt retention.
As China builds its domestic stocks of protein like pork, there are fears the country may view its supplies as ample in the second half of 2021. That could put more pressure on domestic demand to carry prices.
The contagious African swine fever (ASF) virus has been reported in Manipur, India.