Joining us for this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is Dr. David Baumert, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian at Zoetis Pork, to discuss the reasons why producers sometimes choose not to treat pigs — usually heavier weight finishers — in need of swine respiratory disease (SRD) therapy and the implications of non-use from a performance, labor and economic standpoint. 

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus has been brought to you by Zoetis Pork.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: People with known hypersensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid exposure to EXCENEL RTU EZ. Do not use in swine found to be hypersensitive. Withdraw 6 days prior to slaughter when injection site volumes are greater than 5 mL up to 15 mL per injection site and 4 days prior to slaughter when injection site volumes are less than or equal to 5 mL per injection site. See full Prescribing Information at Excenelpork.com/PI.

References

Pantoja L, Kuhn M, Farrand E, et al. Impact of a Husbandry Education Program on nursery pig mortality, productivity, and treatment cost. Journal of Swine Health and Production [serial online]. 2013;21 (4):188-194. Available from: CAB Abstracts, Ipswich, MA. Accessed May 1, 2018. 

Pineiro C, Morales J, Doncecchi P, et al. Individual Pig Care program improves productive performance and animal health in nursery-growing pigs. Journal of Swine Health and Production [serial online]. 2014;22 (6):296-299. Available from: CAB Abstracts, Ipswich, MA. Accessed August 1, 2018.

Bowersock, T. L., Meeuwse, D. M., Kausche, F. M., Lucas, M. J., Bryson, W. L. and Dame, K.J. Efficacy of ceftiofur crystalline free acid and ceftiofur hydrochloride administered intramuscularly in swine inoculated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Pharmacia Animal Health. 2001. 

Data on file, Study Document No. ZRD-PSC-004402, Zoetis Inc.

All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. © 2024 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. EXC-00084

Red dye number 2 was banned in 1976 due to links to cancer in rats. Red dye number 3 was banned in 2025 over similar health concerns. Manufacturers have been given until January 16, 2027, to remove red dye number 3 from their products. 

What might this ban mean for the animal feed industry? Does it have application and perhaps implications?

During IPPE in Atlanta, Ga, we had the opportunity to talk with David Eisenberg, President of Micro-Tracers, a manufacturer of analytical tracers that uses a minute amount of red dye number 3 in its products for the animal feed industry. The use of tracers is common among animal feed and animal health companies worldwide as a way to identify their products as proprietary. 

With unique access to those on the frontlines of agriculture and science, two filmmakers set out on an incredible journey around the world to find the answer to what would seem like a relatively easy question. That being, Are we better off in a World Without Cows? 

Joining our Ann Hess from the NCBA tradeshow floor in San Antonio are World Without Cows filmmakers, Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is brought to you by Alltech. Acting as your trusted partner, Alltech delivers integrated expertise and tailored solutions and services to provide a comprehensive one-stop resource for solving your challenges. Alltech’s expertise is your competitive edge. Visit Alltech.com to learn more. 

Have you ever stopped to think what our world would be like without cows? Around the world, cows hold both cultural and economic significance. They provide nourishment of bodies and minds. They also impact climate. When it comes to cows, it’s not all black and white. 

Joining us to talk about a thought-provoking documentary about the cultural, economic, nutritional and environmental significance of cows and the global feed industry is Dr. Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech. We caught up with Dr. Lyons in Atlanta, Ga., during IPPE 2025, where World Without Cows debuted on the opening night of the event.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is brought to you by Alltech. Acting as your trusted partner, Alltech delivers integrated expertise and tailored solutions and services to provide a comprehensive one-stop resource for solving your challenges. Alltech’s expertise is your competitive edge. Visit Alltech.com to learn more. 

There is a new leadership in Washington, D.C., and changes have already started to happen on the policy and regulatory front. What’s might all the change mean for the U.S. feed industry? 

Joining us from IPPE 2025 in Atlanta, Ga., to talk about policy and the new Administration is Constance Cullman, President and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

The spread of high-risk human and animal diseases across borders in the last five years has clearly demonstrated that the best-laid plans can go wrong when it comes to infectious disease control and prevention. In fact, North American and European countries proved decades ago that swine diseases like ASF and classical swine fever can be eradicated through effective government policies, even without ideal vaccines. However, the world has since changed.

Joining our Ann Hess to discuss this topic and more from the PRRS Symposium in Chicago is Dr. Jishu Shi of Kansas State University. Jishu Shi’s research programs focus on the development of novel vaccine technologies for animal infectious diseases. His team is currently evaluating novel adjuvants and strategies for vaccines targeting porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, swine influenza virus, porcine circovirus, and avian influenza virus. In addition, his team is also investigating the molecular mechanisms of IL-1beta release from macrophages and the role of IL-1beta in macrophage-cancer stem cell interactions.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

The spread of high-risk human and animal diseases across borders in the last five years has clearly demonstrated that the best-laid plans can go wrong when it comes to infectious disease control and prevention. In fact, North American and European countries proved decades ago that swine diseases like ASF and classical swine fever can be eradicated through effective government policies, even without ideal vaccines. However, the world has since changed.

Joining our Ann Hess to discuss this topic and more from the PRRS Symposium in Chicago is Dr. Jishu Shi of Kansas State University. 

Dr. Jishu Shi's research team develops vaccine adjuvants, novel diagnostic assays and vaccines for swine infectious diseases. Specifically, his team focuses research on African swine fever (ASF), Streptococcus suis, swine influenza virus (SIV), classical swine fever (CSF), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and other emerging infectious diseases of swine.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

This episode explores the critical issue of biofilms in waterlines and their hidden impact on swine health and productivity. Understanding biofilms can help producers implement better management practices, ensuring optimal water quality and animal welfare. 

• Dr. Gabi Doughan of the Swine Medicine Education Center discusses her research on waterline biofilms in swine operations 
• Biofilms pose significant health risks for pigs 
• Importance of testing both source and in-barn water for pathogens 
• Regular cleaning and maintenance practices for water systems are essential 
• Beyond health, managing biofilms can improve overall production metrics 
• Need for ongoing research to refine management strategies in the swine industry

This episode is brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health, a growing business that puts livestock first. Pharmgate provides a proven portfolio of technically supported, high-quality products that are the foundation of custom herd health protocols. By offering multiple options for active ingredients, concentrations, and administration routes, Pharmgate provides you with choices to fit your needs backed by a team with technical expertise to get the results you want.

It’s the world’s largest annual poultry, feed and meat technology exposition and it’s coming up January 28-30 in Atlanta, Ga. 

Known as the International Production and Processing Expo, it offers a vast show floor highlighting the latest in technology, products and services, along with extensive networking and education opportunities for all. 

Joining us to talk about IPPE 2025 is Sarah Novak, Chief Operating Officer of the American Feed Industry Association. 

For more information, visit https://www.ippexpo.org

In this episode, we explore strategies to bolster the pork industry's resilience.

Christine McCracken, Senior Animal Protein Analyst at Rabobank, graces Feedstuffs Pork Nation with her expertise on the state of the pork industry. Curious about the path to recovery and what lies ahead in 2025 for pork producers? We're unpacking the improving financial health and potential for more robust margins, despite looming challenges like political uncertainties, tariffs, and changing immigration policies.

Discover why maintaining solid trade relationships with key partners such as Mexico and Canada is more crucial than ever. We also tackle how the industry is innovatively addressing labor shortages through automation and improved workforce management.

We also delve into critical economic concerns, including the national debt's effect on the US credit rating and its potential ramifications for agriculture. While sovereign debt issues linger, we discuss the importance of staying informed and engaging with lenders to mitigate risks. With only minor interest rate adjustments anticipated, some stability is expected.

As we close the year, Christine emphasizes the critical need for biosecurity and community support within the industry. Risk management takes center stage as pork producers are encouraged to partner with advisors to navigate shifting market conditions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Feedstuffs Pork Nation is brought to you by Alltech. Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture through a diverse portfolio of products and services. Contact the Alltech Pork Team or visit go.alltech.com/swine-research to learn more.