Palmer Holden Iowa State University

Publish Date: April 19, 2012

This factsheet lists data sources and associated hyperlinks to relevant livestock slaughter information websites. The websites contain data for cattle, calves, sheep, lambs and hogs at federally inspected plants. It also includes comparative weekly hog, sow and gilt slaughter numbers. To go to the desired website click on the internet link provided in the third column of the references.

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Starting Nursery Pigs on Feed

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Feeding Level of Gestating Sows

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Should I Purchase or Make My Own Feed?

Publish Date: April 3, 2012

This factsheet lists data sources and associated hyperlinks to the breeding herd structure in the U.S. The website contains data on changes in the composition of the breeding herd by size of operation and efficiency of the breeding herd. To go to the desired website click on the internet link provided in the third column of the references.

Publish Date: May 2, 2022

Una buena higiene en sus instalaciones de producción es importante para proteger a las personas y animales del desarrollo de infecciones. Áreas de oficina, la cocina, salas de descanso, baños y las duchas pueden albergar microorganismos (bacterias, virus u hongos) que pueden causar enfermedades. Las bacterias como las pseudomonas, el Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (SARM) y otras, se consideran un riesgo para las personas que comparten áreas en común. Los trabajadores en granjas porcinas comparten duchas, salas de descanso y otras instalaciones, lo que puede representar un riesgo para la propagación de infecciones entre ellos, así como de transmitir infecciones a los animales. También con todos los desafíos de salud relacionados con el COVID-19, es importante priorizar la protección contra infecciones dentro de las instalaciones de producción animal. Siguiendo algunas reglas simples es posible mantener sus instalaciones limpias y seguras para todos.

Publish Date: May 2, 2022

Good hygiene in your production facility is important to protect the people and pigs from developing infections. The office, kitchen, break room, bathroom and showers can harbor microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, or fungi) that can make people ill. Bacteria such as pseudomonas, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and others are considered a risk for people sharing living areas such as army barracks. Pork production workers share shower and other facilities and may also have some risk of spreading infections among each other as well as transmit infections to animals. Additionally, with all of the current COVID-19-related health challenges, it is more important than ever to focus on protecting farm personnel from infection. By following some simple rules, you can keep your facilities clean and safe for everyone.

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Many shows across the country today are water only shows, meaning that no foreign substances, such as oils or powders, can be used to dress the skin and hair on show day. Some packers have demanded this practice to prevent oils and other foreign substances from entering their packing plants. Other shows have implemented this rule to level the playing field for all exhibitors and make the hogs appear more natural in the showring. However, that does not mean that there is not some homework involved in making your pig look its best. Skin and hair conditioning take time and effort and should start at least a month prior to entering the showring.

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Feed accounts for 60 to 70% of the cost of pork production. If a feeder adjustment is too open, feed wastage can increase and reduce overall building feed efficiency resulting in increased cost of production and the addition of excess nutrients to the manure handling system. When feeders are closed to tightly, feed intake and growth rate can be reduced and fighting may occur. Optimal feed intake and minimal feed wastage are important and occur when feeders are properly adjusted.

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

A foreign animal disease is one that does not occur in the United States and needs to be identified with the help of your veterinarian as quickly as possible.