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Latest Blogs (81-90 of 249)
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vancouver getting ready for IPVS 2010
With 2010 on the doorstep, the organisation of the IPVS in Vancouver, in July, is gradually taking shape. The abstract submission has now started – and for the first time it's entirely web-based.
Enzymes - crash course
I always had a special relationship with enzymes! After all, they were involved in the first trials I conducted as a student, and they were the theme of one of my papers. Enzymes have been a relative recent development, and new advances continue to progress their effectiveness. Yet, many misunderstandings remain regarding their use under practical conditions. It is thus a little surprising that I continue to get frequent questions on how best to use commercial enzyme products in pig formulas. So, let’s set the record straight!
