Richard Ness University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Publish Date: November 10, 2011

The master control switch of a pork production enterprise is weaning day. Pork production managers have little or no control concerning when a weaned female will cycle or how long she will be in estrus after weaning. When females are pen -mated, the producer needs to use management procedures to: ( 1) prevent an excessive number of estrous fem ales from expressing the standing response at the same time in the same pen, ( 2) ensure estrous females are bred at the proper time, ( 3) maintain an adequate level of fertility in boars, ( 4) evaluate boars for semen quality, (5) evaluate boars for level' of sexual behavior and mating dexterity before and during the mating period, and ( 6) heat-check gestating females. Regardless of the boar-to-female ratio used or the management procedures implemented, there is no guarantee that all penmated females will be satisfactorily serviced during their first estrus after weaning. This publication discusses in detail the cause of problems that occur when penmating female pigs and provides possible solutions to the problems.

Publish Date: May 9, 2012

As an owner or manager time is one of the most valuable commodities you have so you need to make the most of each minute. Planning and conducting an efficient meeting is one of the duties that you need to be prepared for in advance. Planning is a major priority for an effective and efficient meeting. This begins with planning and developing an agenda and sticking to it.

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 17, 2012

You have the perfect pig, you have walked it, brushed it, fed it, and are ready to go to the show or are you? Packing the showbox is just as important as packing your suitcase. You want to make sure you have everything you need, yet don't want to haul a lot of unnecessary items and weight. Here is a checklist to make sure you have everything you need to present your champion.

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

Today’s swine ration formulations are being made up of various new and different feed stuffs to grow our pigs. Corn is still the main energy source for most producers feed rations today in the U.S. With more uses for corn today it is important for the swine producer to have their corn needs sourced well in advance.