National and international swine experts will present research and talk on industry issues at the third Midwest Boar Stud Managers Conference in St. Louis, Aug. 7-8.
“This conference allows people who specialize in managing boars to talk about their jobs and industry,” says Tim Safranski, University of Missouri Extension swine specialist. Registration is $175 by July 18 or $225 thereafter.
The conference, at the Doubletree Inn near the St. Louis airport, is held every four years and draws attendees from across the United States and abroad.
Safranski, conference coordinator, says this meeting fills an important void.
“There’s not enough research on boars, though it’s an important area,” he explains. “Typically, when we talk about breeding herd management, we’re talking about sows. But the boar stud industry is now specialized to the point where boars are housed separately, and not with sows. For those who manage boar studs, the work is much more specialized.”
Joe Zulovich, University of Missouri Extension livestock housing systems specialist, will talk on combined ventilation and cooling systems.
St. Peter, MN, swine veterinarian Darwin Reicks will present his research on air filtration systems.
“Making enough air move through the filters is one of the biggest challenges in the boar industry,” says Safranski. “Good air filtration is important for disease prevention.”
Other topics for discussion include automated semen-collection systems, boar semen freezing, factors affecting sperm production, boar training methods and effects on fertility of cytoplasmic droplets, a common sperm abnormality.
The conference will also offer concurrent sessions on introductory and advanced boar management topics.
The conference will also include a trade show and international experts.
George Foxcroft, swine reproductive physiologist, University of Alberta, will discuss how current stud methods and artificial insemination practices limit sow productivity.
Janice Bailey, an expert on semen preservation from Laval University in Quebec, will present the current status of boar semen freezing and its importance.
Learn more at http://bsmc.missouri.edu or contact Tim Safranski at (573) 884-7994 or at SafranskiT@Missouri.edu.