Gilts often account for 18 to 20 % or more of the breeding herd. Gilt reproductive performance therefore has a significant effect on overall sow herd productivity. Gilt management factors can affect reproductive performance and longevity in subsequent parities....
Surgical castration of piglets continues to be “under the microscope” with respect to animal welfare. Some countries such as Denmark allow surgical castration when a local anaesthetic such as procaine is used as a local anaesthetic. These Danish researchers...
African swine fever (ASF) continues to be high on the list of transboundary diseases that can result in devastating damage to pork production. This devastating nature of ASF has sparked an unprecedented level of international collaboration. One example of...
The period of time before and after farrowing is a particularly risky time for sows. Sow health issues are common at this point in the reproductive cycle. Poor outcomes from these peri-farrowing health issues can result in reduced performance,...
It is well known that animals make use of chemical communication to exchange information within their environment. This chemical communication involves the production, emission and detection of these chemicals. Pigs are able to produce chemical messages (odours) from digital,...
The pain associated with castration continues to be an animal welfare concern. In an effort to improve animal welfare, the German Parliament had outlawed castration without anaesthesia in 2013. It actually was not until January 1, 2021, that castration...
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Friday, October 7, 2022
LEAN HOGS:
The Sep unemployment rate stands at 3.5% and the U.S. economy created 263,000 jobs during Sep compared with expectations of 275,000. No matter how you slice it, no matter what the stock market does today, this information...
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) piglets are associated with large litter size and is suggested to be a factor in 5% to 10% of pregnancies. A crowded pregnant uterus affects placental functions regarding size, vascularity, and surface area. Smaller placentas...
Some animal welfare advocates argue that the permanent confinement of sows in farrowing crates will limit the sow’s freedom of movement and the ability to show typical species appropriate behaviour. They further argue that permanent confinement increases the risk...
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide. Cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary bladder. This infection is often the result of an ascending bacterial infection. The condition is often subclinical in pigs...
