Managing the microbiome (part 1): What affects the balance?

Posted on November 30, 2021 in Swine Performance
By Dr. Michaela Trudeau Millions of microbes - including bacteria, protozoa, viruses and fungi - reside in the intestinal tract of pigs and collectively play a role in nutrient digestion, pathogen protection, immune function, and gut health. This large community comprises what is often referred to as the intestinal microbiome. In general, the microbes comprising

Maintaining a healthy microbiome

Posted on December 8, 2020 in Swine Performance

By Dr. Michaela Trudeau
You’ll find the word “microbiome” throughout swine industry presentations, publications and research.  It is important to understand what a pig’s microbiome is, but it is more important to know how we can translate this concept into actionable items at the farm level to positively impact your bottom line.

4 ways to save $5 per sow

Posted on September 23, 2020 in Swine Performance

By Dave Chamberlin and Jaron Lewton
Most sow management programs have two goals: to optimize sow productivity and longevity.  However, in pursuit of these two goals, producers often leave costs on the table, which impacts the bottomline and overall profitability.  By implementing these four sow management strategies into your swine business, you could save up to $5 per sow.

Navigating the Storm: Part two – Sow and pre-weaned pig management

Posted on November 8, 2018 in Swine Performance

By the Vita Plus swine team
The Vita Plus swine nutrition team understands the challenges you are facing, and we are dedicated to helping you be successful, regardless of market conditions.  The "Navigating the Storm" series is intended to help you identify some of the areas where the Vita Plus team can help you improve your operation’s profitability.  In part two, we will look at sow and pre-weaned pig management to improve profitability.

Management factors lead to swine feeding success – Part two

Posted on November 17, 2017 in Swine Performance

Editor’s note:  This is the second article in a three-part series on the impacts of management factors on swine feeding success.

By Lynnea Courtney
As we discussed in part one of this series, pig performance is impacted by a multitude of management and environmental factors, such as feed management.  Another important factor to consider is water management.  Monitoring water availability and quality in your barns is an essential area to optimize swine health and productivity. 

Up to the Challenge: Vita Plus Swine Summit 2017 Recap

Posted on April 24, 2017 in Swine Performance

More than 150 hog producers, industry peers and Vita Plus employee owners attended Vita Plus Swine Summit 2017 on March 29 and 30 in Morton, Minnesota.  Click the links below for complete event coverage, including articles, videos and speaker presentations.

Management factors lead to swine feeding success – Part one

Posted on March 24, 2017 in Swine Performance

Editor’s note:  This is the first article in a three-part series on the impacts of management factors on swine feeding success.

By Lynnea Courtney
Poor management and environmental conditions can have a large impact on pig performance.  Many performance-limiting factors are avoidable, but they are often overlooked.  Proper management of feed, water, and the environment can help achieve optimal swine health and productivity. 

Maintain performance through summer heat – Part 3

Posted on July 30, 2015 in Swine Performance
By Dr. Leah Gesing Although pig losses during any phase of production are costly, pig losses near the time of marketing are the most expensive. It has been estimated that approximately 1 percent of pigs in the U.S. are classified as “transport losses.”  Transport losses refer to pigs that die or become non-ambulatory (injured or