Managing Mycoplasma’s persistence in finishing
A dry cough heard in a finishing unit usually indicates M. hyo is causing respiratory distress and reducing growth in pigs almost ready for market. Bryant Chapman, DVM, Four Star Veterinary Service, helps clients reduce the effects of M. hyo.
Early intervention minimizes health issues caused by calf scours
Early identification and treatment of scours is the best way to prevent serious health issues in newborn calves, according to Trey Gellert, DVM, Four Star Veterinary Service, Chickasaw, OH.
Swine veterinarians award debt-relief scholarship to Gascho
A Four Star Veterinary Service veterinarian was awarded a debt-relief scholarship by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Foundation during its recent virtual annual meeting.
Strategies to curtail rising sow-lameness problems
Sow-lameness issues are on the rise, especially for sows in group housing. Lameness is a leading reason that sows are culled early from the herd.
Plan now to better manage pastures for healthy cow-calf herd
Hog manure helps sustain profitable cow-calf herds when pasture grazing is well managed. But pork producers often lack the knowledge to manage pastures for calf production.
Combat seasonal infertility with strong husbandry
Seasonal infertility continues to be a widespread problem for sow herds across the US. And if you don’t have a problem with seasonal infertility, it may mean you are not recognizing it.
Well-managed estrus helps gilts, sows achieve top performance
Success in pork production starts with a well-managed sow herd that cycles together and on time. Unfortunately, reproductive problems can derail the breeding process.
Better manage your sow herd with uniform body-condition technique
After noticing an alarming difference in sow body conditions in several herds, Cary Sexton, DVM, became concerned.
Parasites persist in hog production, especially in niche markets
Environmentally controlled hog facilities eliminated most swine parasites. But Ascaris suum (roundworm) continues to persevere on some conventional farms and frequently on farms for niche markets.
From veterinarian to forensic detective: Solving a mysterious swine disease
In fall 2019, a client called into Four Star Veterinary Service clinic in Mexico, Indiana, and reported the loss of a lot of sows. Daniel Gascho, DVM, said he had several ideas of what could cause the sow mortalities before arriving. But once he was on site, he knew he was wrong.
Inadequate iron supplements lead to subclinical anemia in young pigs
A field trial evaluating iron supplementation for baby pigs found the typical 200 mg iron shot at birth is not enough, according to Brittney Scales, veterinarian for Four Star Veterinary Service in Mexico, Indiana.
Don’t forget rodent, insect control during biosecurity checks
Biosecurity in a hog operation usually focuses on people and practices like showering in, UV irradiating supplies and filtering incoming air. But rodents and insects can bypass all those critical control points on a hog farm.
