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. 

Preventing sow lameness is a wise goal

Posted on February 4, 2016 in Swine Performance

By Dr. Leah Gesing
Generally, a replacement gilt does not pay for herself until she has farrowed at least three litters  For each additional litter a sow has beyond the third, the fixed cost of piglet production drops drastically.  As a result, increasing longevity and reducing sow culling must be a key focus of any profitable pork operation. 

Spray-dried porcine plasma and PEDv

Posted on February 14, 2014 in Swine Performance
By Dr. Dean Koehler As our industry continues to react to and manage the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) outbreak, we’ve received many questions regarding spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) and the potential for the virus to spread through this feed ingredient.  Following are answers to a few common questions we’ve received to help bring some

PED update: Disease spread appears to be slowing

Posted on July 22, 2013 in Swine Performance
By Dr. Dean Koehler Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) continues to be a big concern in the pork industry.  Dr. Darin Madson of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory presented a PED update at the recent Iowa Swine Day. He reported that the number of confirmed positive premises in the U.S. had risen to 210. 

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) Facts

Posted on June 12, 2013 in Swine Performance
By Dr. Dean Koehler By now, everyone associated with the U.S. swine industry has heard about the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) outbreak that first hit the United States in mid-April.  This disease is caused by the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv). The severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration symptoms of PED are indistinguishable from TGE, which