The opinion of the bloggers do not necessarily reflect the opinion of PigProgress.net. Comments welcome.
Proper nutrition for gilts
I believe most nutritionists, veterinarians, and producers would readily agree with me against using gilts from the finishing floor as breeding animals. Not only for the purpose of using the right genetics, which of course is a very important consideration, but also for nutritional concerns. Keep in mind that market pigs are not fed with longevity in mind, with a notable example being dietary minerals and bone formation. So, how should we feed our gilts?
Author: Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis | Monday 27 August 2007
More on Light - Don't we need to study darkness too?
Those of you who know me, know that I'm hooked on light and how it affects pigs. Everyone, including myself, talks a great deal on the way light influences breeding patterns, such as how much light in relation to darkness, especially from midsummer onwards, influences autumn infertility. But there is almost nothing on the role how darkness itself may affect the situation.
Author: John Gadd | Friday 17 August 2007
MRSA in pigs in Holland – is there cause for concern?
High levels of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) have been isolated in pigs in Holland and also in pig farmers and vets, should we be concerned?
Author: David Burch | Thursday 09 August 2007
Maize Versus Wheat/Barley DDGS
Author: Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis | Friday 03 August 2007
New insights on Salmonella
We, from producer to consumer, are all concerned about Salmonella and the safety of pork. I have been reading an interesting paper by two researchers on how errors of omission on pig farms can lead to Salmonella in pigmeat. They make some interesting points.
Author: John Gadd | Thursday 26 July 2007
Molasses in young pigs' diets
Can molasses, beet or cane, be used in diets for young pigs? Is it a sweetener, an energy source, or a lactose replacement? In times of high-lactose prices, non-traditional alternatives always resurface with renewed interest and even more questions! So, let me explain…
Author: Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis | Wednesday 18 July 2007
PCV2 vaccines – progress on the EU front
At last, there has been some reported progress on the PCV2 (porcine circovirus) / PMWS (post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome) vaccine front in Europe.
Author: David Burch | Thursday 12 July 2007
More on Airbag Ventilation
Author: John Gadd | Thursday 05 July 2007
Tail biting – more information coming available for its prevention
Author: David Burch | Tuesday 26 June 2007
How to improve pig diet quality by using enzymes – part II
Non-starch polysaccharides, like beta glucans and arabinoxylans, generally reduce the nutritive value of cereals and of diets. Enzyme preparations can be used for this purpose, but are not always useful. In this second episode, I shall explain when they are and when not.
Author: Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis | Thursday 21 June 2007
