Pig Progress | For the Pig Breeding & Pig Production Industry

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

Maize and wheat/barley DDGS are quite often used interchangeably in pig formulations, with disappointing results leading to the misleading conclusion that DDGS should be reserved only for ruminants.

Let me explain the basic differences between these two ingredients.

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

A continuation of my blog "Airbag Ventilation" of the 11 June, 2007. This blog hits on power and exit holes and how it is not the size that matters (except for very small pigs) but the quantity.

Author: John Gadd | Thursday 05 July 2007

Tail biting – more information coming available for its prevention

More information is coming out about the perceived causes of tail biting and ways of controlling it. Can anything prevent it occurring completely though?

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

How to improve pig diet quality by using enzymes - part I

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 two episodes, I shall deal with these matters.

Author: Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis | Tuesday 19 June 2007

Airbag Ventilation

The hot weather is now upon us in the Northern hemisphere. Travelling the world, it surprises me that more producers aren`t using Airbag Ventilation, this valuable ventilation system either as a back-up method to alleviate hot weather stress, or as a full-time device to get over the common problem of over closed-up nurseries (to retain heat) when an icy wind streams around the building in the depths of winter.

Author: John Gadd | Monday 11 June 2007

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