Swine Health Hotline

The latest episode of Pharmgate’s Swine Health Hotline dives into the hidden complexities of barn water systems with industry expert Jesse McCoy, vice presdent of operations at Blue Ridge Elements. Host Kasey Brown and Jesse McCoy break down why “looking clean” isn’t enough and offer practical, real-world insights to optimize animal health and treatment success.

• Water is the forgotten nutrient: We invest heavily in genetics and feed but often overlook the quality of water — despite it being the pigs’ largest input. Most farms simply assume water is fine if it flows, missing hidden issues that impact animal performance.
• Line buildup and water delivery matter: Buildup inside water lines not only clogs drinkers but also reduces water volume, directly affecting feed intake and growth. Regular, targeted line cleaning is critical but must be matched to the specific problem and done between turns for best results.
• Mixing and delivery practices impact treatment success: Many medication or additive failures are due to poor mixing practices, residue in unclean buckets, or improper water temperatures, not the water source or product itself. Using clean containers and giving solutions enough time and energy to dissolve can dramatically improve outcomes.

You can send questions to Jesse at [email protected]. 

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If you found this episode helpful, please leave a quick review on your podcast platform — it only takes a few seconds and helps other swine professionals discover the show. 

Better yet, share it with a colleague who might benefit. 

The swine industry is small, and we’re dedicated to helping its people succeed. We want this podcast to be valuable to you, so send your health questions to [email protected], and we’ll get them answered. 

Learn more about Pharmgate Animal Health swine solutions.

Proper vaccine handling is just as crucial as vaccine selection when it comes to protecting swine health. In this episode, Dr. Mindi Bracy of Pharmgate Animal Health explains common pitfalls and best practices around vaccine storage, mixing and administration.

• Temperature Control is Critical: Store vaccines within the correct temperature range recommended on the label. Avoid both overheating and freezing, as even a single frozen or overheated bottle can signal larger issues with your storage practices.
• Follow Mixing & Administration Instructions: Pay close attention to label directions for mixing, rehydration and administration. For modified live vaccines, timing after reconstitution is especially important for maintaining efficacy.
• When in Doubt, Ask for Help: Lean on your local veterinarian or pharmaceutical representative for guidance. They can provide information on handling and answer questions unique to your operation.

Vaccine handling is an investment in both herd health and your bottom line — don’t let little mistakes cost you.

You can send questions to Dr. Bracy at [email protected].

Share the Show

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a quick review on your podcast platform — it only takes a few seconds and helps other swine professionals discover the show. 

Better yet, share it with a colleague who might benefit. 

The swine industry is small, and we’re dedicated to helping its people succeed. We want this podcast to be valuable to you, so send your health questions to [email protected], and we’ll get them answered. 

Learn more about Pharmgate Animal Health swine solutions.

This week, Dr. Tyler Bauman, director of health at the Maschhoffs, takes us behind the scenes of a real finishing‑barn problem and the data‑driven discovery it sparked. Through field comparisons of half‑ vs. full‑dose PRRS vaccinations, the team uncovered a meaningful impact: a 3.5% drop in mortality with the full dose. 

He and host Kasey Brown discuss these key takeaways: 

• The Power of Data in Tackling PRRS: [00:02:10]
  Dr. Bauman describes how collecting, analyzing and acting on field data allowed his team to justify changes and demonstrate real ROI to their operational leaders.
• Full Dose vs. Half Dose: What the Numbers Say: [00:10:01]
  Through extensive comparisons, the team found a game-changer for barn health.
• Adapting Vaccine Timing and Protocols: [00:10:12]
  The investigation grew beyond mere dosing amounts, with experiments around timing to optimize protocols for different barn scenarios.
• Real-Time Testing and Surveillance: [00:08:48]
  Aggressive, routine testing enabled faster detection and response to PRRS breaks, leading to better overall outcomes and earlier interventions.
• Collaboration, Communication, and Continuous Improvement: [00:23:57]
  Success hinged on buy-in at every level. He emphasized transparent data sharing and proactive communication, which led to broader adoption and improved barn performance.
• Managing Expectations & Setting Goals: [00:26:45]
  Managing PRRS isn’t about eliminating all risk — it's about setting realistic goals, managing expectations, and consistently refining your strategy and response plan.

Get Involved
Interested in data analytics for your own operation? Reach out to Dr. Bauman ([email protected]) directly or connect with the Iowa State EPI team for guidance. Learn more about the Iowa State EPI team here. Check out the POMP program here. 

Share the Show

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a quick review on your podcast platform — it only takes a few seconds and helps other swine professionals discover the show. 

Better yet, share it with a colleague who might benefit. 

The swine industry is small, and we’re dedicated to helping its people succeed. We want this podcast to be valuable to you, so send your health questions to [email protected], and we’ll get them answered. 

Learn more about Pharmgate Animal Health swine solutions.

In this episode of Pharmgate's Swine Health Hotline, Kasey Brown sits down with veterinarian and water-line expert Gabi Doughan to unravel how water line systems impact pig health, performance and biosecurity. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Takeaways

1. Why Water Flow & Design Matter

• Water flow rates should match pig age and production stage.
• The difference in water supply needs between nursery pigs and lactating sows is significant — system design must adapt!
• Watch out: If all pig waterers are running simultaneously, barns with smaller pipes may not get adequate water to pigs furthest from the supply.

2. Water Medicator 101

• Medicated water is critical since sick pigs often stop eating but still drink.
• There are three main types:
  • Piston Pumps (affordable, easy install, but prone to scale buildup)
  • Diaphragm Pumps (slightly more expensive, fewer mechanical parts)
  • Flow-Activated Pumps (most precise, best for clean dosing, but higher cost and learning curve)
• Always calibrate your medicator — even a new one straight out of the box!

3. Keep it Clean: Water Line & Medicator Maintenance

• Clean waterlines and medicators = healthier pigs and fewer dosing errors.
• Regular cleaning tackles mineral buildup and biofilm (those slimy bacterial communities that protect germs from disinfectants).
• Terminal deep cleaning and routine low-dose disinfectants are both important, depending on your barn’s downtime and design.
• Never run oral vaccines or medications through lines while water disinfectants are active — they can interact unpredictably!

4. Diagnostics & Monitoring

• Water quality checks: Test at least once or twice a year, ideally between each turn.
• Test both at the well and in-barn to spot where quality changes.
• Monitor for signs of hard water, pH imbalances and bacterial contamination.
• Regularly check and maintain medicators — replace O-rings, run calibrations, and keep your investment working as it should.

Resources & More Learning

• Gabi Doughan ([email protected]) and team are developing new videos and guides with the Iowa Pork Industry Center. Learn more here. 

Share the Show

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a quick review on your podcast platform — it only takes a few seconds and helps other swine professionals discover the show. 

Better yet, share it with a colleague who might benefit. 

The swine industry is small, and we’re dedicated to helping its people succeed. We want this podcast to be valuable to you, so send your health questions to [email protected], and we’ll get them answered. 

Learn more about Pharmgate Animal Health swine solutions.

Swine Health Hotline will answer your health questions so you can make the best decisions for your barns. Hosted by ag journalist Kasey Brown, this podcast will arm you with valuable insights on swine disease mitigation, cutting-edge research, safety protocols, success stories, and more. 

Share the Show

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a quick review on your podcast platform — it only takes a few seconds and helps other swine professionals discover the show. 

Better yet, share it with a colleague who might benefit. 

The swine industry is small, and we’re dedicated to helping its people succeed. We want this podcast to be valuable to you, so send your health questions to [email protected], and we’ll get them answered. 

Learn more about Pharmgate Animal Health swine solutions.