Students

Publish Date: July 28, 2022

Environmental enrichment provides an opportunity to improve the living conditions of farm animals. Current farming systems offer little stimulation, other than food and water and animals are often closely confined in groups (with relatively little space per animal). Such environments may be inadequate to fulfil all the needs of an animal, or an animal may be unable to cope effectively. Enrichment can be used to encourage more of the natural behaviors of animals, thereby enhancing their welfare.

Publish Date: June 16, 2022

What is biosecurity? Biosecurity can be subdivided into 3 parts: 1) bio-exclusion involves keeping pathogens out of a herd, 2) bio-management involves managing pathogens already in a herd to minimize the negative consequences, and 3) bio-containment involves preventing pathogens from escaping a herd and putting other farms at risk. Bio-exclusion will be the focus of this factsheet. Improving bio-exclusion requires taking time to identify the most significant vulnerabilities on farms to determine what should be done next. It starts with identifying vulnerabilities that can result in pathogens being introduced into a herd (step 1) and then prioritizing bio-exclusion control measures to address them (step 2). Historically, relatively little time has been spent on the first step resulting in slow progress in improving biosecurity.

Publish Date: January 27, 2020

Biosecurity is critical to keep pigs healthy, and the implementation of biosecurity practices, no matter the production type, can help to reduce risk. In this video we will describe useful intervention strategies including clean/dirty lines, hand sanitation and perimeter exclusion ideas to minimize the risk of pathogens tracking in and around the farm.

Publish Date: January 27, 2020

Biosecurity is critical to keep pigs healthy, and the implementation of biosecurity practices, no matter the production type, can help to reduce risk. Alternative pork production presents unique challenges for biosecurity. This video, the first in a short series, will help explain how to avoid the introduction and spread of disease on the farm.

Publish Date: January 27, 2020

One of the most important considerations for alternative (niche) swine production systems is where to source ingredients and feed. A consistent, quality supply should be the first goal. Since feed represents one of the highest production costs for pork producers, options to reduce feed costs should also be considered. This video will explain several option to consider.

Publish Date: June 24, 2019

This video gives you a behind the scenes tour of a commercial swine farm and the daily operations that take place. As a young swine producer, it is important to understand the correct terminology and practices that occur out in the industry so that you can be a credible advocate for the industry.

Publish Date: June 20, 2018

This video highlights the importance of applying biosecurity principles on the farm and illustrates these principles for the public, new employees, for review by current employees and anyone else entering a swine farm.

Publish Date: June 20, 2018

Pork quality is important to consumers and the meat and grocery markets. In this video, you will see exactly what are the pork quality attributes and the industry's stride to improve quality to meet consumers demand. This video includes and overview of the numerous factors that attribute to pork quality and how to measure the attributes.

Publish Date: June 20, 2018

Lameness is one of the most significant reasons for involuntary sow culling, but good feet and leg structure may be overlooked or tolerated during gilt selection to achieve progress in other traits. however, structural conformation is highly heritable and producers may inadvertently create or intensify lameness issues in their herd by ignoring this trait. Lameness reduces sow productivity and longevity, and in the growing her is associated with reduced feed intake, decreased average daily gain, and may lead to a greater number of downer pigs at market. In addition to the economic consequences, high incidences of lameness is also a sign of poor animal welfare, and show be addressed on every farm. Examples of acceptable and unacceptable feet and leg soundness are featured in this video.

Publish Date: August 7, 2017

According to federal law, as mandated by the U.S. Congress, all producers (adult or youth) selling pigs for any reason, regardless of purpose, age, or sex of the animal, must pay Checkoff dues assessments unless an exemption has been granted by the National Pork Board based on the requirements of the Organic Exemption Request Form. The goals of the Pork Checkoff program are to strengthen the position of and expand the markets for pork and pork products through research, promotion, and education. This fact sheet has been developed to help county fair boards and youth livestock sale committee personnel ensure compliance with the mandated federal Pork Checkoff. Most Pork Checkoff funds are collected and used for promotion, research, and education at the national level. However, funds from the Pork Checkoff are also remitted back to respective states where the animals are raised for promotion, research, and education at the state level.