Sherrie Clark University of Illinois

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.

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.

Publish Date: November 10, 2009

Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles from boar piglets. Removal of the testicles reduces the potential for odor and taint associated with male hormones in boars after puberty.

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: 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

Swine manure is a valuable by-product of the swine operation that can be utilized as a fertilizer resource. By conserving the nutrient value of the manure generated by the swine operation, less money can be spent on commercial fertilizer and there is a potential to market manure to local crop producers.

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.