Inside the Helix

As the U.S. swine industry has shifted more toward a Duroc sire in the last decade, some producers have noticed a difference in how the pigs transition from weaning to nursery. Hear from Dr. Amanda Cross, director of genetic programs, on how the DNA Genetics Line 600 can improve your experience with starting your pigs properly in the nursery.

Precision livestock farming can assist producers with the increased production demand and decrease resources. Lexi Meister, nucleus support with DNA Genetics, discusses the benefits and opportunities of precision livestock farming. Using these new technologies decrease subjectivity and increase accuracy of production.

A fertile boar is an important component of any swine operation. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Hartman, research coordinator with DNA Genetics, explains her research focused on the terminal Duroc boar. Through her work, she's exploring pre-production boar management and its impact on future semen quality.

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.