How to improve a young calf’s future performance
“Everything we do for calves in the first 6 weeks will dictate how they perform for the rest of their life,” stated Taylor Engle, DVM, with Four Star Veterinary Service in Chickasaw, Ohio.
‘Doc, what should I vaccinate my pigs for?’
One of the most common questions Daniel Brown, DVM, hears from swine clients is what vaccinations are needed and when should they be given.
Develop replacement heifers like a cow but with exceptions
Cow-calf herds can add a nice profit to the bottom line of hog production systems that use manure on their own pastures, and these profits can increase long term if herds keep and develop their own replacement heifers.
Early identification critical in preventing sow lameness
Sow lameness continues to trouble hog operations in the US, causing high numbers of involuntary removals from herds. Identifying lameness issues early is key.
Why it pays to conduct regular water-quality checkups
Water is as important for the growth and health of pigs as feed. As such, it makes sense to test a hog unit’s water just as frequently as the feed, according to Jim Kober, DVM, water quality-consultant, Holland, Michigan.
Pointers for keeping show pigs healthy
The key to making show pigs enjoyable and successful is producing a pig with excellent health and nutrition, reported Brittney Scales, DVM, Four Star Veterinary Service, Mexico, Indiana.
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.
