Animal health

Research shows us that supporting gut health during the late-finishing period can boost performance and profits.  Vita Plus Forti-Fin supports gut health via a combination of plant extracts and organic acids. 

By Jaron Lewton
Replacement gilts are a huge investment required of every farm.  Increasing sow longevity and average parity of a farm can reduce costs and improves overall return. In this article, we'll explore first-parity lactation and subsequent gestation diets to improve sow performance.

By Dr. Michaela Trudeau
Water is consumed at much higher quantities than other nutrients, so ensuring the water is safe and of good quality is critical. Too frequently, as long as we know pigs have access to water, we don’t stop to consider whether the water source is of a quality that will improve - not hinder - pigs’ performance. Let's explore different ways to evaluate water quality, ranging from a simple on-farm evaluation to more in-depth measurements.

By Dr. Michaela Trudeau
There are direct, correlated relationships between water intake, feed intake, and bodyweight in nursery and grow-finish pigs. To maintain high feed efficiency, water availability becomes even more critical as the pig grows and feed intake increases.

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.

By Dave Chamberlin and Jaron Lewton
Proper management of the farrowing barn environment to mutually benefit the sow and her litter is no easy task.  However, with a couple minor adjustments and regular management, you can create a farrowing barn environment that will allow the sow and her litter to perform at optimal levels without adversely affecting one another. 

By Dr. Jose Soto
Sorting through the marketing "smoke and mirrors" is important to make daily decisions on your swine operation.  Peer-reviewed research is the most credible form of research and helps ensure you are making sound nutrition and management decisions.

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.

By Dr. Leah Kellesvig
African Swine Fever (ASF) was recently found in China a little more than a month ago.  As affected nations do what they can to stop the disease from spreading, Vita Plus is taking every precaution necessary to continue to provide our customers the highest quality products.

By Dr. Jose Soto
Pigs have a difficult time dissipating body heat, especially during warmer weather, and heat stress can negatively influence pig performance.  To avoid heat stress-related economic losses, considering implementing some of these strategies this summer.

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.