Data & Swine Management
Dr. Laura Bruner and Dr. Ryan Strobel from Swine Vet Center explain how data analysis can transform the way producers manage their operations. They share how veterinarians use both real-time data tracking and retrospective analysis to inform on-the-ground decisions that lead to better health outcomes and enhanced production metrics. Whether it’s tracking feed efficiency, monitoring growth rates, or identifying disease
Ventilation is key to keeping pigs cool in the summer
Swine Vet Center shares tips to avoid stress amid the summer heat Dr. Sam Holst, a veterinarian with Swine Vet Center, spoke to The Pig Site’s Sarah Mikesell at World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, USA about tips to avoid stress in pigs as temperatures rise across the country. Why is ventilation so important on swine operations today? Ventilation
Swine Vet Center: Tips to minimize on-farm losses
Challenging economic times mean a push for efficiencies throughout the operation Dr. Ethan Spronk, a veterinarian at Swine Vet Center based in St. Peter, Minnesota, USA, spoke to The Pig Site’s Sarah Mikesell in late February at the American Association of Swine Veterinarian’s conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Editor’s note: this interview has been edited for length and clarity. It’s been
Greatest challenges for the betterment of the pig industry
Change is constant but have these monumental changes ultimately helped the industry? Dr. Paul Yeske, a veterinarian with Swine Vet Center in Minnesota, US, recently spoke with The Pig Site’s Sarah Mikesell. Dr. Yeske, over the last 30 years, what are some of the greatest challenges the pig industry has faced for the betterment of the industry. There has certainly
Swine Vet Center: How to troubleshoot sow farrowing rates
Dr. Seth Melson, a consulting veterinarian with Swine Vet Center, spoke to The Pig Site’s Sarah Mikesell at the 50thLehman Swine Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA about how to best troubleshoot sow farrowing rates. Why are farrowing rates so important? Poor farrowing rates don’t just impact the number of piglet births; it also impacts pig costs and productivity of
What does a Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship mean for your operation?
As news of Iowa’s VCPR changes have come into action, many producers have been left wondering what that means for their operations. What constitutes a VCPR in my state? Why do I need one? How do I know if my VCPR is valid? Can I use telemedicine for this purpose? These are all questions we have heard in the last year.
Preparing for feeding sows, market pigs in winter
Thermal stress can affect swine performance at both ends of the thermometer, especially in northern climates such as Minnesota, the Dakotas and Iowa.
Breaking down the SDRS, what it means to the swine producer
Dr. Paul Yeske with the Swine Vet Center explained that the monthly SDRS reports allow the swine industry to monitor trends and predict when herds might be at a greater risk of an outbreak.
Truck wash audits, SOPs boost biosecurity
Many successful truck wash operations utilize an internal audit system where someone is responsible for monitoring processes as trucks and trailers move through the wash, according to Dr. Erin Kettelkamp with the Swine Vet Center.
Summertime coccidiosis challenges in pigs
The hot, humid days of summer often bring the challenge of coccidiosis in pre-weaned piglets in the farrowing barn, but that challenge has now become more prevalent year-round, according to Dr. Laura Bruner with the Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minn.
APP focuses attention on finisher unit biosecurity
While biosecurity remains the best option for managing Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) outbreaks in swine finishing barns, the recent APP outbreaks in the Midwest has spotlighted biosecurity gaps in this phase of production, according to Swine Vet Center veterinarian Dr. Ethan Spronk.
How to manage herd closure for PRRS elimination
Herd closures to eliminate porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) are on the increase due in part to the virulent variant identified as PRRS 1-4-4 L1C.
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae elimination becomes possible
How to avoid winter ventilation pitfalls
During winter, swine facilities usually operate at minimum-ventilation rates. But if those rates aren’t correct, high humidity and excess gases will build up leading to increased disease and reduced growth rates.
Tighten up biosecurity protocols for supply and equipment entry
All types of supplies and equipment enter a hog farm, putting the operation at risk of a disease outbreak. Improved biosecurity protocols with layering help minimize the risks, reported Erin Kettelkamp, DVM, Swine Vet Center.
Nursery transition tied to increase in pig scours
Changes to a piglet’s gut brought on by weaning may allow rotavirus an opportunity to cause some issues with scours, according to Ross Kiehne, DVM, Swine Vet Center.
How to attract people to work on your hog farm
The biggest issue facing most hog farms today is a shortage of workers, according to Laura Bruner, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minnesota.
M. hyo elimination or control: ‘We have the tools to succeed’
Hog farmers and veterinarians no longer have to accept the poorer performance that results from M. hyo infection. Whether the decision is to control or eliminate M. hyo, there are numerous tools available, and the payoff is real.
Filtration audits help prepare for PRRS season
Regular biosecurity checks with a close look at filtration and ventilation systems will help prevent the spread of airborne pathogens like PRRS, according to Jeff Feder, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minnesota.
New group prepares for possible ASF outbreak
The new Swine Health Improvement Program is designed to help the pork industry maintain exports in the face of a foreign animal disease outbreak.
Late-weaned, parity-1 sows benefit from skipped cycle
New gilts entering a farrowing room face some big demands for animals still maturing while supporting their first litters.