Support late-finishing gut health for improved performance

Posted on April 5, 2022 in Swine Performance

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. 

Managing the microbiome (part 2): Nutrition for a healthy microbiome

Posted on January 6, 2022 in Swine Performance
By Jaron Lewton As discussed in part 1 of this series , while still not completely understood, the composition of the intestinal microbiome has been correlated with growth performance, animal health and even behavior. In this article, we look at nutrition considerations that can positively impact microbiome composition.

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

Managing the first lactation (part 2): Litter size and lactation length

Posted on October 13, 2021 in Swine Performance
By Dave Chamberlin Replacement gilts are a huge investment required of every farm, and anything that increases the sow longevity/average parity of a farm reduces costs and improves overall return.

Water as a nutrient (part 3): How to clean your water lines

Posted on September 29, 2021 in Swine Performance
By Dr. Michaela Trudeau The first step in maintaining good water quality in the barn is routine maintenance of water lines. Routine descaling and disinfecting of water lines is recommended at least twice a year. Whether a barn has good or poor water quality, cleaning the water lines is an essential piece of regular barn maintenance.

Managing the first lactation: Parity 1 feeding strategies

Posted on August 5, 2021 in Swine Performance

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.

Water as a nutrient (part 2): Water quality impacts bottom line

Posted on July 2, 2021 in Swine 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.

Water as a nutrient (part 1): Water intake fuels pig growth

Posted on June 15, 2021 in Swine Performance

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.

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.

Managing microenvironments in the farrowing barn

Posted on November 12, 2020 in Swine Performance

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. 

Peer-reviewed proof can boost your bottom line

Posted on February 18, 2019 in Swine Performance

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.

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.

Vita Plus takes every precaution in wake of African Swine Fever

Posted on September 14, 2018 in Swine Performance

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.

Managing the impact of heat stress in swine production

Posted on May 18, 2018 in Swine Performance

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.

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.