Inside the Helix

Dr. John Sonderman joins us to launch a two-part series on reproductive tools. In this episode, we unpack the practice of sow induction—its benefits, risks, and how it can shape farrowing outcomes. Dr. Sonderman walks us through key protocols and decision-making factors to consider when planning induction in your herd. If you’re aiming for tighter schedules, better piglet care, or just want to weigh your options, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Hartman dives into the science behind pooled semen in the U.S. swine industry. She explains what pooled semen is, why it's used, and what recent research reveals about how sires are represented within litters. If you’ve ever wondered how pooling impacts genetic diversity, fertility, or litter performance—this one’s for you.

At DNA Genetics, we’re always looking for ways to deliver a better pig. In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje explores how digital phenotyping can accelerate genetic progress—both in traits we already measure and those we haven’t been able to. He also shares how DNA is using this technology today and where it could go in the next five years. 

Bringing boars to the stud takes a significant investment—but keeping them there is where the real return lies. In this episode, Dr. Cory Faust shares practical strategies to optimize boar management and extend their productive life, helping you protect your investment and boost long-term performance.

Gene editing holds great promise for advancing the swine industry, offering opportunities for genetic improvement and the potential eradication of specific pathogens like the PRRS virus. However, before this technology can be widely implemented, the industry must address several key challenges—particularly in supply chain logistics and both domestic and international market demand. In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje, Chief Technical Officer at DNA Genetics, explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of gene editing and what it could mean for the future of swine production.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Hartman and Brady McNeil bust some of today’s biggest misperceptions about the DNA Line 241 female. Backed by data and real-world results, they dive into how this sow has evolved—becoming more efficient, easier to manage, and ultimately helping producers reduce labor costs without compromising performance.

We’re continuing our barn camera series with a closer look at how video monitoring is helping safeguard biosecurity at the highest level. Joining us is Jenna Mencke, Biosecurity Specialist at DNA Genetics, to share how cameras are used across our nucleus farms, the layers of protection they offer, and how team members are actively involved in their success. Tune in to learn how this technology is raising the bar for biosecurity in swine genetics.

In this episode, Andy Jakubowski launches the first installment of a three-part series exploring the evolution of camera technology in barns. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Andy takes us on a journey from the early days of camera use to the cutting-edge systems in place today. Along the way, he shares valuable insights and lessons learned—covering everything from setup and data storage to interpreting animal behavior and environmental cues!

In this episode with Brady McNeil, he will dive into a study on functional teat count and piglet weaning. Each additional functional teat supports weaning about one-third more pig. Loading up to one pig over teat count increases pigs weaned without raising pre-weaning mortality, but exceeding this threshold leads to higher losses without improving litter weight.

🔊 Listen now on Inside the Helix → https://ow.ly/lVHQ50VtvMi #SwineGenetics #FarrowingSuccess #InsideTheHelix

In this episode, PhD student Mikayla Spinler shares insights from our summer research trial, where she explores the outcomes of two distinct split-suckling strategies.