Glycerol, a liquid with potential

Glycerol is a by-product of biofuel production and it may be used as an energy source in diets for pigs but there is limited research on its optimum level of inclusion or on the effect of performance and meat quality. Increased number of research papers show and increased ADG in pigs, but inclusion levels should not be too high.
22 Mar 2010 - 0 comment(s) - Read more »

Feeding small piglets

In my previous entry, we established how to decide when to start saving small piglets that would otherwise be euthanised. In this entry, I would like to discuss how to feed these small piglets to ensure they catch up with their heavier littermates, at least to the best they can!
15 Mar 2010 - 4 comment(s) - Read more »

Replacement gilts – age at first service – new advice

I am sure you have seen the interesting report on age at first service by JSR Genetics revealing that age at first service – in terms of numbers born alive and returns to service – takes precedence over bodyweight and fat P2 level. They claim that 240 days old shows the best response and is most cost effective, with bodyweight and fat cover far less important within quite wide boundaries.
08 Mar 2010 - 2 comment(s) - Read more »

The US & overconsumption: a European view

My first visit to the USA took place in June 2006. I was told to go and visit that year’s World Pork Expo, in Iowa. Off I went – visiting Des Moines and Chicago in one go – and I came back with a truckload full of experiences.
02 Mar 2010 - 6 comment(s) - Read more »

What the IPVS has meant for Canadian swine vets

Long before Canada won the bid in Copenhagen to host IPVS 2010 in Vancouver, IPVS had already had a profound impact on the swine veterinary community in Canada. The decision to mount a bid to host an IPVS in Canada got us to finally organise a national swine veterinary association, the Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians (CASV).
22 Feb 2010 - 0 comment(s) - Read more »

Drug dilemmas

With the long-awaited results of the EFSA breeding-herd survey on MRSA now available, it poses some real dilemmas for the European regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical industry and future pig industry.
15 Feb 2010 - 0 comment(s) - Read more »

Big savings from small piglets

The month of January has been a good month for piglet producers in Europe, with prices reaching the €50 psychological barrier. What happened? It was only a year and a half ago when piglets were practically free of charge! The answer is not that easy to formulate.
02 Feb 2010 - 2 comment(s) - Read more »

This VACCINE® really works!

On a daily basis, journalists receive endless amounts of letters, e-mails, phone calls or web suggestions. Even pig journalists are no exception.
26 Jan 2010 - 5 comment(s) - Read more »

Some groundrules for a dry sow yard system

In my last blog I discussed the age-old problem besetting those breeders willing – or being forced by future welfare legislation – to convert the conventional dry sow stall to a group housing system for indoor sows. The main alternatives being free-access stalls and/or group yards.
19 Jan 2010 - 1 comment(s) - Read more »

Treating piglet anaemia

The nutritional value of iron has been known for over 2000 years, and it’s role is today well recognised and appreciated. In brief, iron is an integral part of hemoglobin and myoglobin, both of which play a central role in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and muscles. Iron also plays an important role in the function of many enzymes, including those in the Krebs Cycle of the energy metabolism. As such, the role of iron in the organism can only be described as very important, if not indispensable.
05 Jan 2010 - 6 comment(s) - Read more »