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Average daily gain (ADG) is clearly one of the key profit drivers in the grow-finish production phase. The faster we can help them to grow, the quicker they get to market and then we can put another animal in their spot.

SVC Newsletter – September 2020

Helping your grow-finish pigs grow

Average daily gain (ADG) is clearly one of the key profit drivers in the grow-finish production phase. When paying rent for space, it becomes obvious that the faster we can help them to grow, the quicker they get to market and then we can put another animal in their spot.

The following are a few ideas that could help to ensure that we’re maximizing average daily gain:

Genetics: We’re paying for genetics to maximize growth. Therefore, we should give them every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Pen Size: There have been a number of studies showing that pen size is related to average daily gain. The smaller the pen size, the better the ADG. It’s possible that you may be able to improve your ADG by dividing your larger pens into smaller pen sizes.

Feed Outages: This point is quite obvious but there’s research that for every feed outage, we lose ½ pound per pig. Therefore, the key to growth is to have feed in front of the pigs at all times.

Feeders: When considering ADG, making sure the pigs get enough feed is important. Proper feeder adjustment should be made a priority and monitored when doing routine daily chores. Feeder adjustments will vary according to pig age as well as the type of diet being fed (mash/pellet, wet/dry). Feeders should likewise be checked daily to ensure they are not plugged. Also, feeder pans should have only good quality feed. Pigs won’t eat even the most palatable ration if its old, moldy or has been soiled with feces or urine.

Feeder Space: In our business, we are always looking for the most cost-effective solutions. Feeder space can be expensive therefore we want enough with nothing wasted. The National Swine Nutrition Guide recommends two inches of feeder space per pig when feeding a mash diet.

There are other things that factor into the feeder space equation. The type of feed being offered also makes a difference. Pigs will generally consume wet feed faster than dry which will free up feeder space. They will also eat pelleted feed faster than mash. Another point to consider is it is in a pig’s nature to want other pigs next to them while eating, just like when the sow calls the pigs to nurse. Therefore, there needs to be room for the hungry pig as well as his buddies.

Keep Them Cool: We know that keeping pigs cool in the summertime can help them gain. Misters will help cool pigs in the heat and resulting in improved ADG. With the summer heat behind us, the cooler fall temperatures will be on our side. Making sure we have the right temperature and ventilation for them will keep their intake up and maximize ADG.

Sorting by Size: There has been some research done that by NOT sorting by size, you can improve average daily gain. If you put all the big pigs together and all the small pigs together when loading pens, its been shown that average daily gain will drop. Pigs want to find natural variation within the pen. Only sort off the extremely small pigs to give them better opportunities so they don’t lose ground to the group average.

Continually Strive to Improve Nutrition: Work with your nutritionist to ensure that the energy and lysine in the diet is up to the correct levels. It’s been noticed as genetics have improved, we may not have kept up with lysine requirements of these fast growing pigs. These levels will need to be evaluated continuously in order to maximize ADG. Research barn trials can help you evaluate different diets to discover what will work best.

Pig Space: ADG can also be linked to pig space. You may have to be careful when considering pig space because there comes a point of diminishing returns. It’s more expensive to provide extra pig space and it may not always pay back with improved average daily gain.

Health: One of the biggest drivers of average daily gain is health. Continuing to strive to eliminate diseases on the sow farms, as well as correctly vaccinating your pigs, greatly improves ADG. Work with your Swine Vet Center veterinarian to see what diseases can be easily controlled and/or eliminated.

Fall checklist for hog buildings

Item Ideal date to complete Completed Initials
Check manure pit levels weekly 9/1
(>1′ clearance at pump for proper ventilation) 9/15
Clean fans 9/15
Fix shutters 9/15
Recondition pit fans 9/15
Curtains should be even 9/15
No sags in curtains 9/15
Repair holes in curtains 9/15
Blow out heaters 9/15
Heaters need to be ready to run and should be tested 9/15
Check LP level
Completely clean out feed bins 9/15
Clean soffit screens 9/15
Clean pit fans and louvers 9/30
Repair and clean inlets 9/30
Reset alarm Hi/Lo settings 9/30
Check approach around chute and front door to make sure of proper height for winter 9/30
Set ventilation controller for winter settings 10/1
Bubble wrap ready for curtains if wean to finish 10/15
Have covers ready for fans 10/15
Pick up around the building 10/15
Final mowing 10/15
Refill bait stations 10/15
Snow fence if needed 10/30
Plan for snow removal 10/30
Flags for LP tank, well, pit fans, etc 10/30
Pit covers should be tight 11/15
Curtains sealed tight, check and lubricate curtain machine 11/15
Plastic for sealing fans 11/15

To download a printable version of this chart, click here.

Swine Vet Center Veterinarians in the Spotlight

Due to COVID 19, the 2020 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, a global swine industry educational event, was held virtually this year.

Dr. Paul Yeske gave two presentations at this year’s conference. “The swine producer’s and veterinarian’s response to COVID-19” and “Taking advantage of COVID-derived interventions to improve health”. Dr. Paul also presented a poster entitled “Evaluation of Shedding and Effect on Pig Performance of Prevacent™ PRRS Vaccine”.

Dr. Alyssa Betlach presented a poster entitled “Effect of tulathromycin treatment on Mycoplasma hyopneumonia detection and infectious potential”.

Dr. Betlach also published an article in Veterinary Microbiology entitled “Natural transmission and detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in a naïve gilt population”. The article abstract can be seen here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32891949/


 

SVC Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

No portion of this newsletter may be used/copied without written consent of Swine Vet Center

PHT+ NEWS FEEDwhat is this?

Negotiating extra label drug use rules

TOOLBOX, Issue 21: Rick Swalla, DVM, recently talked with editors of Pig Health Today about regulations concerning extra label drug use.

Ct values predict PRRS nursery mortality, can guide vaccination decisions

DISCOVERIES, Issue 18: Obtaining cycle threshold (Ct) values based on processing fluids provides a practical way to identify neonatal pigs at risk for nursery mortality associated with PRRS and can help determine when vaccination is worthwhile.

Deen: Batch farrowing requires ‘different mindset’

It appears batch farrowing is making a comeback, according to John Deen, DVM, PhD, distinguished global professor at the University of Minnesota.

Iowa scientists focused on diagnosing, managing Streptococcus suis in pigs

Multi-disciplinary collaboration by academia, industry partners and the veterinary community is improving the diagnostics for and management of S. suis.

High prevalence of PCV2 recombinants highlights importance of broad vaccine coverage

DISCOVERIES, Issue 21: A recent analysis of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) genetic sequences shows that up to 25% of field strains are recombinants of diverse genotypes, highlighting the importance of broad protection when selecting a PCV2 vaccine.

Iowa scientist sees ‘a lot of genetic diversity’ in swine influenza viruses

According to research, swine influenza A viruses have become more complicated in recent years. There is a great deal of diversity within the influenza virus.

Three ways to assess your herd’s ‘positive welfare state’

The “Five Freedoms” have been the foundation for establishing sound animal welfare practices since they were developed in 1965. Now, more than 50 years later, researchers have additional tools and technologies to take that basic knowledge a step further.

Fostera® PRRS protects against diverse PRRS virus field strains

DISCOVERIES, Issue 19: PRRS has been described as one of the most important swine diseases of the last half-century. An estimated 20% to 25% of herds are still affected, and the syndrome remains the US swine industry’s most costly disease.

Pork’s future relies on trust throughout the pork value chain

In the end, raising hogs is about producing pork, and continuous success depends on building customers’ trust, listening to expectations and meeting their needs.

Genetic diversity makes swine influenza a challenge for producers

Influenza A virus in swine is one of the primary respiratory pathogens challenging swine production systems in the US and around the world.

Decontamination protocols fail to disinfect incoming hog supplies

Biosecurity protocols are critical to keeping the US hog herd healthy, and one of the regular tasks is to disinfect a wide range of supplies entering the farm, but how effective are those protocols?

What they don’t tell you in veterinary school: Take care of yourself

A romanticized view of the veterinary profession, gleaned from sources like the famous Brit, James Herriot’s novel “All Creatures Great and Small,” doesn’t always mesh with the reality.

Neonatal pigs with low levels of viremia may benefit from PRRS vaccination

TOOLBOX, Issue 19: An interview with
Jose Angulo, DVM,
PRRS Specialist,
Managing Veterinarian,
Zoetis 

Pork industry makes progress on pain management

Pain management for pigs has always been a challenge, partly because it’s difficult to measure levels of pain and partly because there are no FDA-approved drugs labeled for pain management in pigs.

Can the processing-fluid toolbox expand beyond PRRS?

Piglet processing fluids have been shown to be a practical, time-efficient and affordable diagnostic tool for PRRS, and some indications suggest that PCV2 offers promise as well.

Take a process-driven approach to influenza control

US pork producers should strive to produce influenza-negative pigs if they want to see the benefits of increased productivity, reduced secondary infections and antibiotic use, reduced influenza dissemination, decreased influenza diversity and reduced risk of zoonotic infections.

Committing time, attention to pig’s first 24 hours key to health, uniformity

The farrowing room is a demanding place — one that needs to accommodate the divergent needs of a 500+-pound sow and her 10, 15 or 20 piglets weighing anywhere from 1.5 to 3 pounds.

COVID-19 impact on swine industry headlines 2020 virtual Leman Conference

COVID-19’s global-altering tentacles reached the 2020 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference scheduled Sept. 19-22. This year’s conference will be held virtually.

Researchers ‘look beyond the normal’ to identify emerging disease

The first case of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (Strep. zoo) was identified in the US pig population last fall, and it’s not an organism to be taken lightly.

Addressing ‘unknown factors’ in sow mortality

Sow mortality has been on the rise in the US pork industry, reaching upwards of 15% in many sow-production systems, said Ashley Johnson, DVM, technical services veterinarian with Zoetis.

Rate of PCV2 recombination not widely recognized

TOOLBOX, Issue 16: An interview with Meggan Bandrick, DVM, PhD Associate Director, Global Biologics Research, Zoetis

Swine Health Information Center: Preparing for emerging diseases

Whether the issue is an emerging disease such as porcine epidemic diarrhea or the threat of African swine fever, being prepared is key to minimizing the potential impact on the US swine herd and expediting the recovery.

Veterinarians, mind your mental health

Veterinarians deal with stress under the best circumstances. But in this time of difficult decisions for pork producers and those who service them due to COVID-19, maintaining mental health is even more of a concern.

Pen-side diagnostic comparisons for nursed-off sows and fallback pigs

For both the sow and piglet, an animal that does not perform to its potential or falls behind its counterparts will negatively impact the sow farm’s productivity and profitability.

Vaccine trial data versus lineage: What’s the best way to predict PRRS vaccine performance?

TOOLBOX, Issue 20: An interview with Eva Jablonski, DVM, PRRS Specialist, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis

Antimicrobial resistance causing few clinical problems in swine

Clinical problems in swine due to antimicrobial-resistant infections are rare. In fact, patterns of resistance in swine have been stable for a long time.

Comparing diagnostic sampling prospects from M. hyo-positive-source boar studs

Many sow farms have undergone M. hyo elimination within their breeding herd, which makes it critical to understand the potential transmission risk from boar studs.

Watch your Strep: Keep your guard up for this evolving bacterium

Few things remain the same for long on a hog farm. By the very nature of today’s production system, pigs are continuously moving on or off a site. One thing that remains constant is Strep suis.

Processing fluids provide an option to monitor PCV2 and PCVAD

Effective PCV2 control relies on vaccination of healthy pigs before they become infected. This goal cannot be accomplished in unstable herds whose sows give birth to viremic pigs.

Comparing PCV2 gilt vaccination protocols and progeny status

Porcine circovirus type 2 is the principal etiological agent of porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD), which can cost producers an estimated $3 to $4 per pig.

Automatic foggers fall short in disinfecting hog-farm supplies

Preventing fomites from carrying pathogens into hog farms is a daily biosecurity priority, but how effective are typical disinfection protocols?

Gebhart: Cracking the Strep suis code

Streptococcus suis (Strep suis) is becoming more prevalent and more complex in US swine herds. The coccoid-shaped, Gram-positive bacterium is also a zoonotic disease, capable of transmission from pigs to humans.

Study compares PRRSV antibody-sampling options for sows

When it comes to porcine reproductive and respiratory virus it’s important for the veterinarian and farm personnel to know the health status of a herd or barn.

German researchers: Pigs, poultry not susceptible to COVID-19

Scientists in Germany have confirmed that pigs and chickens are not susceptible to COVID-19.

How stress hammers a pig’s intestinal system

Experts say some forms of sustained stress can weaken a pig’s immune system and make it more vulnerable to disease and performance losses.

Swine dysentery makes an unwelcome comeback

Just when US pork producers thought swine dysentery was a problem of the past, it has re-emerged for an unwelcome encore in a slightly different form.

Moving biosecurity from the farm to the feed mill

An effective biosecurity strategy is not a stagnant process. It is continuously influenced by changes in pig-flows, disease pressures, virus evolution, emerging health issues and more.

Ellis: No magic bullet to reduce pre-wean mortality

Pre-wean mortality has increased over the last 15 years, and it’s a major concern for US pork producers and veterinarians.

Outmaneuvering PRRSV requires a better understanding of genetic diversity

PRRSV is constantly evolving, resulting in an extremely diverse virus with multiple lineages, but building a better understanding of that genetic diversity is the next step to making real progress against the disease.

Deen: Apply old lessons to new technologies

Classical education emphasizes the need for industries to adopt new technologies to keep up with external demands and constantly changing economic environments.

Pollmann: Make the most of your human capital

The US pork industry is challenging under the best of circumstances, with enough variables to make even astute, savvy businesspeople cautious. However, one of the biggest components of a successful, healthy operation is human capital.

No. 1 biosecurity lesson: Never stop improving

The first lesson of biosecurity, according to Andrea Pitkin, DVM, health assurance veterinarian for PIC, is to learn, modify and adapt because new threats can surface at any time.

Researchers tackle survivability issues head-on

One in three pigs born on US farms fail to reach market, according to Jason Ross, PhD, a professor of animal physiology at Iowa State University and director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center.

Mycoplasma elimination possible, but more difficult on farrow-to-finish sites

With the right program in place, eliminating mycoplasma pneumonia is possible on many hog farms.

Larger litters, more competition for colostrum make pigs more susceptible to clostridial enteritis

By Daniel A. Nelson, PhD,
Senior nutritionist, pork technical services,
Zoetis

Sow pads show promise for reducing shoulder sores, related infections

During farrowing and lactation, sows can easily develop shoulder sores, which in turn become infected.  Could a little padding help?   

Population-based diagnostics pinpoint the power in numbers

The world of diagnostics is expanding. Instead of focusing on individual animals, population-based diagnostics help veterinarians and producers identify the health status of their barns more quickly and efficiently.

Processing fluids’ effectiveness in monitoring PCV2 in sow herds

Vaccines have provided effective control options for PCV2, but vertical transmission remains a challenge for some farms.

Steps to mitigate cross-contamination of piglet processing fluids with PRRS MLV

As piglets move from the sow farm to the growing stage, it’s important to know their porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) status.

Phase I of pelvic organ prolapse study offers new insights

A pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a dramatic, easy-to-identify event within the farrowing room. The difficult part is figuring out the cause and applying a solution.

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St. Peter, MN 56082

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