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, reported Daniel Gascho, DVM, with the Four Star Veterinary Service office in Mexico, Indiana.
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.
