In this month’s PigX episode, we look into research to identify the health status of pigs - especially for PRRS – utilizing key performance indicators.. Researchers have developed a formula to help detect diseases earlier, offering a tool that facilitates faster and potentially more cost-effective data analysis compared to investing in additional farm technologies. Joining us from Iowa State University are Drs. Gustavo Silva, an assistant professor in Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, and Mafalda Mil-Homens, a PhD student and veterinarian. They share insights from their glo ..read more

This month on the PigX Podcast, we dive into key considerations for adopting technology in managing livestock. From research insights to practical applications, we explore how technology can enhance farm operations. Our guest, Dr. Isabella Condotta, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, shares her expertise on the intersection of technology and livestock management. While many farms have begun integrating these tools, others are still weighing their options. Tune in to this episode for insights to help you make informed decisions about implementing and maint ..read more

In this episode of the PigX Podcast, we hear the specifics of POP and discuss actionable ways breeders and producers can take to mitigate the condition. The conversation dives into how nutrition, management and other contributing factors can play part of the solution in addition to research contributions. Joining us are Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, a geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, and Dr. Jack Dekkers, a distinguished professor of animal breeding and genetics at Iowa State University. Additionally, we highlight research contributions from Ph.D. student Vishesh Bhatia, shedding light on the lates ..read more

NBAF, located in Manhattan, Kansas, succeeds the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York, which has been a cornerstone in protecting American agriculture. In this episode, we explore how the facility is set to enhance the nation’s biosecurity and unique additions to make a positive impact on the swine industry. We’ll hear from key stakeholders who played a role in bringing NBAF to the Midwest, including Dr. Chad Mire, research leader for foreign arthropod-borne animal disease research unit with the Agricultural Research Service, and Dr. Robin Holland, the director of the foreign animal d ..read more

The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at Iowa State University focuses on answering important "how" and "why" questions for veterinarians, producers, and swine industry professionals. In this episode, Dr. Marcelo Almeida, an assistant professor with a PhD, Master's, and DVM in swine health, shares his expertise. He will discuss recent trends in swine health diagnostics, the diseases his team is currently studying and the future direction of their research. Dr. Almeida will also explain how he hopes veterinarians and producers can use this information to improve swine health practices ..read more

It takes up to two years for employees from outside of the country to receive their green card, but the upcoming election may have an impact on the timeline and opportunities for foreign labor. Agriculture, including many swine organizations and companies, rely on help beyond the United States borders. Rachel Beardsley, partner and immigration attorney at Fragomen provides the potential effects on visas from November's presidential election, what she’s recommending to clients currently and the variety of visas available ..read more

Completing our two-part mini-series, we are welcoming back Dr. Jordan Gebhardt of Kansas State University and Ph.D. student Larissa Becker to explore the topic of phosphorus and calcium requirements for gestating and lactating sows. In this episode, we will dive into Larissa's literature review, along with the key takeaways she discovered in the process ..read more

In this two-part mini-series, we will investigate both swine bone mineralization and calcium and phosphorus requirements for gestating and lactating sows. Focusing on the prior for this episode, we will be highlighting research conducted by Dr. Jordan Gephardt of Kansas State University. Ph.D. student Larissa Becker will then begin to give us insight into the research she is conducting ..read more

Welcome to season five, episode one, of the PigX Podcast! We have an exciting season ahead, so to kick it off, we brought Janae Metzger and Stacie Matchan as this month's guests. Janae discusses her presentation from the 2023 Iowa Swine Day Event on establishing a winning culture on the farm. Stacie touches on both the history of this event and what attendees should look forward to for the 2024 Iowa Swine Day. Be sure to listen to learn about all things described here and so much more ..read more

For the May edition of the PigX Podcast, joining us is Kate Dion, a PostDoc Research Associate at Iowa State University, and Dr. Derald Holkamp, a professor in Veterinary Preventative Medicine with a focus on biosecurity. Throughout this episode, we will take a deep dive into the Standardized Outbreak Investigation Program they are developing, including how it will be used, why it is necessary, the timeline for adopting this new program, and so much more ..read more