Reproduction

Finding Solutions for Seasonal Infertility in Sows

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:25:00 +0000

Source: Iowa State University

The search for reasons and solutions for seasonal infertility in sows by Iowa State University (ISU) animal scientists includes what may be the first scientific study of insulin’s possible role in the problem.

Improving Survival of Pig Sperm

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:18:00 +0000

Source: University of Illinois

Although U.S. cattle genetics are exported all over the world in the form of frozen semen, the same is not true for pigs because boar semen does not freeze well. In an attempt to improve semen storage and pig reproduction, animal scientists at the University of Illinois are looking at how sperm survives in the sow oviduct.

Scottish Researchers Create Piglet Using ‘Gene Editing’

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:39:00 +0000

Source: Zee News

A piglet called "Pig 26" is the first animal to be created via “gene editing.” It was born four months ago at Edinburgh's Roslin Institute, where Dolly the cloned sheep was created in 1996. Pig 26 was engineered to have a gene making it immune to African swine fever, a virus which can kill European pigs within 24 hours of infection.

Exercising Pregnant Sows Could Impact Future Fertility

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Source: American Society of Animal Science

A presentation at the Midwest Animal Science meeting in Des Moines this week indicated that walking gestating sows might improve the fertility of Yorkshire pigs. According to research presented by Samantha Kaminski, a graduate student at North Dakota State University, swine fetuses showed significant ovarian development after their mothers exercised.

Zeroing in on Female Retention Rates

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:25:00 +0000

By Ron Ketchem and Mark Rix, Swine Management Services, LLC, Fremont, NE

Several groups and individuals have asked if we look at female retention rates. We haven’t been doing so since there is a large variation from farm to farm when data on gilts are entered.

Infrared Heat Sensor Provides Cozy Comfort for Newborns

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:28:00 +0000

By Lora Berg, Contributing Editor

Specially designed creep cover provides “cocoon zone” for litters.

The Intelligence Surveillance System (ISS) from Conception Ro-Main, Inc., was recently awarded the F.X. Aherne Prize for Innovative Pork Production at the 2013 Banff Pork Seminar in Banff, Alberta, Canada. This new technology is designed to significantly reduce energy costs while providing optimal ambient temperature for piglets in a micro-zone area under a specially designed creep cover.

37 and Counting

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:04:00 +0000

By Dale Miller, Editor

Last December’s Hogs & Pigs report marked the 37th-consecutive quarter with a year-over-year improvement in pigs saved/litter.

I don’t know about you, but with the issuance of each USDA Hogs & Pigs report, I have this nagging little thought in the back of my mind that this could be the quarter that the “pigs saved/litter” tally stalls out.

Day One Pig Care

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:21:00 +0000

By Joe Vansickle, Senior Editor

Raising a higher percentage of pigs represents the biggest chance to boost pork output.

Do the math and it becomes clear that the U.S. pork industry is losing about 20% of total born piglets before weaning, says Tim Loula, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, MN.

Assay Confirms Colostrum Intake

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:14:00 +0000

By Jeff Vallet, Frank F. Bartol and Carol Bagnell

Simple Day-1 test not only tells if pigs received critical immunoglobulins, but also prescreens for future fertility.

Preweaning mortality can claim up to 20% of piglets born, and there is evidence that the rate is increasing as the industry continues to successfully nudge litter size higher.

Shorten Wean-to-First Service Interval to Boost Farrowing Rate, Total Pigs Born/Litter

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:33:00 +0000

By Ron Ketchem and Mark Rix, Swine Management Services, LLC, Fremont, NE

As we work with farms to improve pigs weaned/mated female/year (PW/MF/Y), we continue to look at the interaction of key performance indicators. For this article, we will focus on wean-to-first service interval, which is the time it takes a weaned female to return to heat and be bred.