Iowa pork producers who own or manage a sow herd are encouraged to attend one of two advanced swine reproduction seminars later this month.
The first seminar is June 27 at the Plymouth County Extension Office in LeMars, IA. The second seminar is June 28 at the Waverly Civic Center in Waverly, IA.
Speakers will discuss gilt development, impacts of genetic selection, new technologies, disease management, proper semen handling and management and a review of induced farrowing and oxytocin usage.
Mark Knauer, swine specialist for the National Pork Board, will share how gilt development occurs early in the lifecycle, which may affect how replacement gilts are selected and raised. How genetic selection impacts reproductive performance will also be covered.
Rodger Main, DVM, director of operations at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, will outline the key factors that influence reproductive health and share management tips and new technologies that can improve reproductive success.
Nicky Sleezer, director of the Sleezer Fertility Center at Aurelia, IA, will review proper semen handling and management and highlight management needs during hot weather.
Mark Storlie, Iowa State University Extension swine field specialist, will review the practice of induced farrowing, proper oxytocin usage and share information on a study that examines fetal imprinting.
A registration fee of $25 includes lunch and materials. Preregister by June 24 to be guaranteed a meal and handouts.
For the LeMars site, contact Dave Stender, Cherokee County Extension Office at (712) 261-0225 or e-mail dstender@iastate.edu.
For the Waverly location, contact Mark Storlie, Fayette County Extension Office at (563) 425-3331 or e-mail mstorlie@iastate.edu.