Articles

Biorefineries have the potential to add value to organic matter, nutrients, and water from livestock manure.

This data sheet presents a brief compilation of scientific studies that have evaluated the effect of formic acid, lactic acid, and propionic acid on pig gastrointestinal health and production performance at different stages of production.

In this last article in the series we discuss the main causes of “vaccine failure”, i.e. when we aren't sure that vaccines are working or they are only partially working.

In today's context of high production costs and increasing pressure from environmental regulations, swine production faces the challenge of balancing production efficiency with the environmental and economic sustainability of the industry. A key factor in this equation is feed particle size, where simple actions available to the producer can achieve significant improvements.

At the risk of being proven wrong by the end of 2025, we will try to break down what we think this year has in store. It's not about using a crystal ball, but rather analyzing the data we already have and weighing its importance. At the end of the year, you can compare and see whether we got it right or missed the mark.

Beta glucans are an excellent bioactive compounds that can help us enhance passive immunity in a profitable and practical way.

From their respective academic and on-farm positions, Josep Gasa and Josep Casanovas discuss a study on the performance and welfare of sows exposed to auditory environmental enrichment.

After interpreting the lesions we must proceed to sample collection.

This first data sheet on organic acids describes their chemical structure, mechanisms of action, and the main benefits of their use in swine nutrition.

A study conducted by IFIP (France) has compared three sensor methods based on near infrared spectrometry (NIRS), electrical conductivity and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry.

This is how to assemble an "emergency" ramp using the insulation panels left over from the construction of the nursery.

The price of pork has remained well above the cost price throughout the year, with declines from the peak (1.848 euros per kilo in July) being gradual and controlled, allowing slaughterhouses to navigate the autumn with favourable positive margins.

To identify the keys to success in managing sows in breed and release systems, France's Chamber of Agriculture of the Brittany Region surveyed farmers who implemented this system. The results identified three strategies that producers use the week after weaning.

Beta glucans can boost the vaccinal response, thus helping to achieve an optimal vaccinal response. If they are supplied during enough time to cover the whole vaccination programme this strategy could be an option to improve the vaccine response.

Histopathology can provide a strong framework to establish the real causality of a clinical problem.

Nutrition plays a major role in the immune response. The interaction of different dietary components with other factors such as environment, health status, and genetics plays an important role in modulating the immune response.

The price is not expected to change in the coming weeks, provided nothing extraordinary happens.

Our experts Sara Mazo and Francisco Ruíz review the economic policies implemented during Trump's first term: protectionism, tariffs, and deregulation of the energy and agricultural sectors.

In the fifth installment of the manual we address the examination of the organs of the abdominal cavity.

This article describes the main characteristics of commercial vaccines to combat PRRS.

This farm has built a small chute to vaccinate an entire pen of piglets in record time.

IFIP provides a summary of the evolution of grain and oilseed crops.

Three different motivational drivers have been identified, each corresponding to a specific behavioral pattern: two-phase, sudden-forceful, and obsessive.

This year's edition of the Swine Conference in honor of Dr. Allen D. Leman was a special 50th Anniversary event and took place September 21-24 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention Center in Minnesota, USA.

A better understanding of the modulatory effects of functional amino acids and polyphenols may support nutritionists in formulating more adapted diets and contribute to the development of nutritional strategies to improve animal performance, well-being, and health.

For several reasons, Poland has not managed to control ASF in wild boars and pigs. What measures has this country implemented during these 10 years and why were they insufficient?

Spain has had three consecutive months of declines, which have resulted in a 14% decrease. Despite this, Spain continues to lead pig prices in the EU. The question is how far these decreases will continue.

Breaking the chain of infection from humans to pigs and from pigs to humans.

Data sheet with the nutritional value (table comparison) and most recent studies about corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

Moving away from weekly batch management improved Time to stability, Time to baseline production and Total Piglet losses per 1,000 sows after a PRRS outbreak.

We are launching a series of articles that will delve into a new practice that has already been implemented on several farms in Spain and is being adopted by others: 5-week batches.

The constant search for solutions to challenges in management, health, reproduction, nutrition, and feeding—and their interactions—should be a technical principle if we aim to maximize the genetic potential of our farms.

In this third installment, Antonio Palomo summarizes the papers presented on reproduction, nutrition, precision livestock farming, and other aspects of swine production.

This farmer made a movable metal barrier that leans against the wall when not in use so it doesn't get in the way.

September is ending, leaving behind a trail of staggered decreases in the pig price in Spain. This is nothing new; many years tend to be like this.

On December 30, 2024, soybeans will be added to the products covered by the new European regulation against deforestation, creating uncertainty in commodity trade.

A good start in post-weaning feed intake and including creep feed and palatable diets is crucial to optimize piglet health and performance.

This article describes the main characteristics of commercial vaccines for combatting porcine parvovirus.

This concept lies between conventional and organic swine production and focuses on sustainability, animal welfare, and economic efficiency.

We interviewed Anders Christian Sørensen to talk about the DanBred's genetic selection objectives.

A review of vaccine administration routes, administration methods according to the type of animal, and how to manage vaccination supplies.

This article demonstrates the effects of drinking water temperature and feeding management in sows to optimize performance in farrowing and lactation.

In this second installment, Antonio Palomo summarizes the papers and posters on health, immunology, and vaccines presented at the latest edition of the IPVS and ESPHM-ECPHM in Leipzig.

Data sheet with the nutritional value (table comparison) and most recent studies about sugar beet pulp.

In this first installment, Antonio Palomo summarizes the presentations and posters from the latest edition of IPVS and ESPHM-ECPHM.

This tip involves using an aluminum panel to close the aisles during heat checking.

Antonio Palomo summarizes the presentations from the latest AASV, ranging from the future of the veterinary profession to the eradication of diseases, hog prices, and experiences in improving pig survival.

Consumption is falling except in Germany and Italy. This trend is explained by food insecurity and ready-to-eat products.

We interviewed Jesús Etxart to talk about the latest management recommendations for DanBred sows.

The Spanish pig price has remained unchanged for weeks, but the apparent tranquility of the market is only superficial...

it is vitally important to be aware of the difficulties that this process can entail. Consequently, considerations must be made to ensure a good outcome.

Farmer profiling to understand their objections or willingness towards PRRS elimination using the ADKAR change management model.

The trends of the swine industry in China should be explained in two parts: pork consumption and pig production.

Pig333 interviewed Prof. Pulina of the University of Sassari who has been involved in eradicating African swine fever in Sardinia. ASF arrived on the island in 1978 through contaminated pork products. After many years of struggle, the virus has now been eradicated.

Antonio Palomo summarizes the presentations on nutrition given at the latest edition of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV).

All livestock sectors are seeking to reduce imports of raw protein materials. Insect meals belong to the category of concentrated protein sources, but their nutritional characteristics are poorly documented and attempts to incorporate them into swine feed have been the subject of few publications.

Data sheet with the nutritional value and the most recent studies on lysine supplementation.

With a seemingly firm pig price and a rather depressed pork market, we get the feeling July will be complicated.

This is the result of a public-private partnership aimed at mitigating the risk of exotic, emergency, and diseases controlled by the official vet services entering Brazil to protect the national swine herd.

In this second article, Antonio Palomo summarizes the presentations on vaccines and biosecurity given at AASV 2024.

One percentage of affected lung volume was associated with a 0.24% reduction in lean meat content.

Can autogenous vaccines help us control streptococcal infections? What should we take into account?

Climate changes have forced governments around the world to enforce legislation to reduce the carbon footprint from all parts of society including pig production.

Controlled crude protein reduction and use of essential amino acids can improve feed efficiency, decrease water consumption, and reduce nitrogen excretion.

Do's and don'ts of vaccine storage regarding location, temperature control, maintenance, and traceability.

The slaughterhouse suspected animal welfare issues as a high number of healed broken ribs were found during the meat inspection of a batch of pigs.

In the first two installments, we covered necropsy in lateral decubitus. In this third installment, we will look at necropsy in the supine position

Basic principles of amino acids and the concept of ideal protein in swine nutrition.

We delve into why Poland's pig inventory has been decreasing and explore if there is any chance of rebuilding the herd.

Development of pig production towards large integrators and the spread of highly lethal diseases, such as ASF, have led to increased focus on biosecurity and methods to protect the assets associated with large pig units.

Antonio Palomo summarizes the presentations on swine health from the recent edition of the AASV that took place in Nashville (Tennessee).

To ensure vaccines work properly, we must carefully control certain critical points in their handling.

Although initially the focus was on the gastric ulcers, after the first visits, more importance was given to liver damage and poisoning was suspected.

The survey by Pig333 reveals promising perspectives but ample room for improvement in biosecurity.