Colin Johnson Iowa State University

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Most pathogens detrimental to the health and well being of pigs can be eliminated by effective cleaning and disinfection of facilities. In order to achieve optimal productivity and allow pigs to reach their full genetic potential, each new group of pigs must get off to the right start. The right start involves a clean, dry and disinfected environment that is properly ventilated and heated and/or cooled. The environment must also provide adequate access to feed and water, have sufficient space, and be free of objects that can cause injury. The steps to preparing a barn for a new group of pigs should be done systematically so as to avoid holes in biosecurity and preparedness.

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Heat detection is the process of identifying which females are receptive to mating. A sexually mature female pig in good health should cycle every 3 weeks if she is not pregnant or lactating. (The estrous cycle of swine lasts approximately 21 days.) On day 1 the female is receptive to mating; ovulation occurs or day 2 to 3.

Publish Date: May 9, 2012

Motivating employees is vital for managers and supervisors to do correctly. It’s amazing how, if you hate your job, it seems like everyone else does too. If you are very stressed out, it seems like everyone else is too. Enthusiasm is infectious. If you’re enthusiastic about your job, it’s much easier for others to be too. Also, if you’re doing a good job of taking care of yourself and your own job, you’ll have a much clearer perspective on how others are doing in theirs.

Publish Date: April 26, 2012

The job interview is the crucial point to employment where potential employees can succeed in convincing prospective employers that they are indeed the ideal candidate for the position. Producers are making an investment in the potential of the employee and how they will fit into the existing employee structure. Managers are often called upon to interview job candidates who will potentially become their assistants. Therefore interviews are a two-way process in which interviewers evaluate applicants and applicants also evaluate interviewers.

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Replacement gilts are essential for maintaining the productivity of the sow breeding herd. Loss of sows from the breeding herd will result from failure to breed, to become pregnant, poor productivity, and structural problems with feet and legs. Producers must plan for current herd specific replacement rates that may average 50%. Managing females to meet replacement needs requires planning for the correct numbers of fertile, mature replacement gilts to breed at the same time as weaned sow groups.

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Farrowing is the process of giving birth to piglets. Any condition that interferes with the normal process of giving birth can result in a difficult farrowing. It is important to know that piglets are delivered coming forwards or backwards and from either horn of the uterus. This will help you when you decide to assist in delivery of a piglet.