Biosecurity protocols must be strictly followed in swine operations to prevent disease outbreaks. Having a truck wash system is an important component of a robust biosecurity plan. Ryan Strain, director of transportation with Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics, explains what swine producers should consider as part of their truck wash protocol. 

Through efficient semen usage, swine producers can reduce unnecessary expenses and minimize waste. Dr. Cory Faust, veterinarian and director of DNA Genetics' gene centers, describes strategies producers can implement to utilize their genetic supplies most effectively. 

Brazil is the world's fourth largest pork producing country. Recently, Glauber Machado, a Brazilian businessman, veterinarian and DNA Genetics distributor, was in the United States and visited with "Inside the Helix." He discussed reasons behind the industry growth, challenges and opportunities for Brazilian producers. 

For many swine producers, gilts are the future of their farms. Ensuring gilts reach their full potential is key in overall gilt development. In this episode, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham, veterinarian and director of health with DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms, describes DNA's research focused on stocking density. She also explains the impact stocking density has on the timing of estrus and heat checking accuracy. 

While weighing gilts can be a tedious process, it's critical to the reproductive success of a farm. In this episode, Brady McNeil, multiplication business lead with DNA Genetics, explains why weighing gilts is so beneficial, and he describes various ways to complete this process. 

Swine producers want animals that are robust, meaning pigs that are resilient and can perform well no matter the environmental challenges that exist. In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje, Chief Technical Officer with DNA Genetics, explains why improving robustness matters, and he describes how DNA Genetics is maximizing on this trait through its genetic program. 

Routine walk-thrus can help identify and troubleshoot potential problems producers may be experiencing on their farms. In this episode, Paul Faris, technical services specialist with DNA Genetics, explains why producers might schedule a walk-thru or troubleshooting visit, and he describes the process of these events. 

In the fifth and final part of our miniseries focused on DNA Genetics' "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care," Dr. Jason Schneider, technical consultant, describes sow farrowing care. In the segment, Dr. Schneider discusses recommendations on gestation lengths, feeding rates, farrowing assistance and farrowing room temperatures.

In the fourth segment in a five part series focused on DNA Genetics' "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care," Dr. Amanda Cross, director of genetic program implementation, explains first 48-hour pig care. Dr. Cross says pig survivability is greatly impacted by the first two days of life. She also provides a simple checklist producers can follow to maximize first 48 pig care. 

Feeding for Body Condition Management is the third pillar in DNA Genetics' "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care." Joining the conversation on this topic is Brady McNeil, multiplication business lead with DNA Genetics. In this segment, Brady discusses body condition scoring methods, feeding rates and recommendations on target body condition.