Articles

We are sharing an example of a sow card used to record basic breeding sow data, which is essential on all farms regardless of their size.

In the first two months, the outbreak caused more than 600 abortions and more than 150 sow deaths, destroying the weekly batch structure.

The pig price in Spain is well above the rest of the European countries. The reality is that this price is only possible at the expense of negative margins in the slaughterhouses.

The pig industry in Africa holds great potential as a key driver for food security, income generation, and rural development. However, it faces several challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability.

The last of the three summaries by Antonio Palomo dedicated to the 2024 edition of the Allen D. Leman Conference focuses on health: biosecurity and viral and bacterial diseases.

Do we know how to communicate the main objective of correct data collection? What clues can make us suspect that the data are not being properly recorded?

Although the large influx of news makes it seem otherwise, it really has only been 50 days since the new U.S. President, Donald Trump, was inaugurated.

During a recent visit to a pig farm in Sweden, 333 had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the Moving Floor system, an innovative technology for improving pig welfare and reducing emissions.

Of the pillars of commercial pig production, nutritional management, is based on its impact on the total final production cost. In Brazil, it represented 73.16% of the total production cost in 2024 on average, according to data from CIAS (2024, EMBRAPA). In this way, constantly updating the energy and nutrient requirements needed to optimize production outcomes is a focus of attention and a goal of ongoing scientific research.

Antonio Palomo summarizes the swine production and reproduction presentations from the latest Allen D. Leman Swine Conference 2024.

At present, the North-South divide in the EU is more evident than ever and is becoming a disparity that is strengthening and becoming chronic.

In 11 of the 15 countries analyzed, 333 users expected higher prices than were actually achieved.

The relatively short but very intense lactation period is undoubtedly a key phase in pig production for both sows and piglets. The fragility of the piglets and the significant demands that sows face at this stage make early detection of problems essential. Do we understand what the animals are telling us?

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.

Aerosol models may open a new range of possibilities for addressing knowledge gaps concerning M. hyopneumoniae infection and disease, treatment, and control.

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 global swine industry is dynamic and constantly advancing. One of these advancements is the significant increase in sow productivity. This is evidenced by the increase in the number of piglets born and, consequently, in the number of piglets weaned. This progress also poses new challenges, especially regarding the most important superfood on the farm: porcine colostrum. This leads us to ask if improving colostrum quality is possible through specific nutritional strategies.

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.

With current data, we will review the quantitative impact of some of the most relevant factors for sows in the lactation phase.

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.

Animals tell us how they feel, but do we understand what they are telling us?

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).

In the fourth installment of the manual, we address examining the thoracic cavity organs.

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.

The overall risk of a PRRS outbreak is 12 times higher during the first 15 days after pumping manure than the rest of the year.

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.

How do ambient temperatures below thermoneutrality affect pig performance and environmental efficiency?

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.

How to adapt a normal pen to the specific needs of weaned piglets.

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.

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

We surveyed our readers to find out why they believe these changes are taking place and why integrator companies and meat groups are buying farms.

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.

The consequences of suspending castration on the rate of destructured hams are poorly understood. An IFIP study shows the frequency of this defect is around 19%.

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