Search Results
You searched for: AI |
AI Technicians' Impact on Farrowing Rate
AI Catheter
Kubus offers a disposable catheter with a centimeter scale to measure a gilt's vagina length. The graded catheter helps producers determine the optimal moment for insemination in accordance with reproductive tract development. That enables a high prolificacy at first farrowing and continues during the breeding life of a sow.
Proper AI Techniques, Semen Handling
The first and overriding principle of artificial insemination (AI) in swine is if a sow is in standing heat, she can be bred; if she is not in standing heat, do not attempt to breed her. This key to maximizing fertility rates in the breeding herd requires a solid understanding of AI basics, timing of insemination, use of lubricants, boar usage, overbreeding and nine key semen-handling principles.
Feeding AI Boars
Research indicates that top-quality rations will lead to improved libido, sperm production in boars.When almost all boars were used in natural service breeding programs, most pork producers followed standard industry logic when it came to boar nutrition: feed them the gestation sow diet and that will be good enough.
Check Semen Quality
To improve on-farm reproductive performance when using artificial insemination (AI), semen should be periodically screened for several factors before processing for use.The screening ensures boar output is optimized and that quality matings are possible, notes Kevin Rozeboom, Extension specialist, swine reproductive physiology, North Carolina State University.Table 1 lists semen quality standards
Biosecurity Key To Stud Success
As pork producers strive to make rapid genetic improvements in their herds, we've seen a tremendous increase in the number of boar studs. Artificial insemination (AI), using top-indexing boars, is without a doubt the fastest and most efficient method of achieving genetic improvement within any swine herd.However, the risk of disease spread through semen is a continual concern of pork producers. Although
Troubleshooting Boar Studs
The growing use of artificial insemination (AI) has provided tremendous opportunities for improvements in meat quality issues, growth parameters and health issues.AI also opens the door for numerous challenges and potential problem areas as we take one of Mother Nature's jobs into our own gloved hands.Nearly 75% of our clients use AI. With these clients, we have grown and learned from the challenges
Commercial Boar Studs Outpace On-Farm Units
The trend seems clear. More pork producers are dumping on-farm boar collection, opting instead to have semen delivered for use in their AI (artificial insemination) programs.For many just switching to AI, the choice may be one of convenience more than cost.Although substantial cost savings can be gained with on-farm boar collection as unit size increases, more and more producers say they would rather
Computer Program Simplifies Semen Buying
The explosive growth in use of artificial insemination (AI) in the pork industry causes Don Levis to get quite a few telephone calls.When it comes to AI, producers often ask the University of Nebraska extension swine specialist the same basic question. Where should I obtain boar semen?The choices are almost mind-boggling. There's the on-farm boar stud, the cooperative boar stud, a fee-for-service
Solving Six Common Reproductive Problems
There are six points largely being overlooked that can lead the way to achieving better sow fertility and labor efficiency in artificial insemination (AI) programs. The data compiled by veterinarian Brad Thacker of Iowa State University is based on farms grappling with AI mating problems. He provided details on these common reproductive problems at a management seminar hosted by Intervet Inc. Sows
Poised To Compete
Bob Dykhuis is proof that an independent pork producer can grow and thrive in the fast-changing hog industry. He's also proof that expansion is possible, even in environmentally sensitive areas.The Holland, MI, producer started in pork production 20 years ago with a new, 100-sow farm he and his father built. A few years later, he went on his own and gradually expanded to 2,400 sows. He is now expanding
Boar Stud Biosecurity Is Paramount
By Joe Vansickle Sometimes it's hard to feel secure about biosecurity when boars are being culled and replaced fairly often.That's today's commercial boar stud where, to consistently upgrade genetics, boars are turned within two years.At that pace, a strategy for biosecurity becomes paramount to survival of the boar stud, stresses Malcolm De Kryger, vice president of business development for Belstra
product news
Compact Skid Steer Bobcat Company introduces the Bobcat 463, an ultra-compact skid-steer loader. The measures 3 ft. wide and 6 ft. tall with a 15.7 hp engine, 700 lb. rated operating capacity, 10 gpm hydraulic flow and 2,450 psi hydraulic system pressure. The skid steer travels at 6.2 mph and weighs 2,708 lb. The loader's swing-out tail gate offers quick access to the engine oil dipstick, drain and
Heat Detection Critical to Success
Investing time and talent in developing effective heat detection methods should be a top priority on every sow farm. Gilt development aside, this activity drives the flow throughout the pork production system. The pork industry is in dire need of stockmanship skills that will enhance heat detection and mating in the breeding herd. Conception rates of 75-85% are common, but rates of 90% or greater
New hoop barn helps achieve consistent sow body condition
New hoop barn helps achieve consistent sow body condition and fits with organic production standards. Three years ago, Organic Prairie pork producer Tom Frantzen and his son, James, planned and built a breeding-gestation barn that addresses the biggest challenge with loose housing in gestation consistent sow condition. Frantzen is a steadfast believer in organic pork production and the standards laid
New hoop barn helps achieve consistent sow body condition
New hoop barn helps achieve consistent sow body condition and fits with organic production standards. Three years ago, Organic Prairie pork producer Tom Frantzen and his son, James, planned and built a breeding-gestation barn that addresses the biggest challenge with loose housing in gestation consistent sow condition. Frantzen is a steadfast believer in organic pork production and the standards laid
Non-Surgical Embryo Transplants Ready For The Farm
Until recently, collecting pig embryos and implanting them in sows without surgery could not be done. But a new embryo transplant method, developed by the Wageningen Agricultural University (WAU), in the Netherlands, no longer requires surgery.And, like artificial insemination (AI), embryo transplantation for pigs can now be carried out on the farm.
Curing Low Farrowing Rates
To solve depressed farrowing rates, most times you've got to take action in several areas of the breeding herd.Using a combination of diagnostic serology, evaluation of records and effectively following breeding herd programs, you can boost farrowing rates, sow performance and pig numbers out the door.That's the view of Mark Hammer, DVM, who oversees 40 farms of Carroll's Foods of Virginia.Diagnostic
Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Next
