In today's episode of the Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, we dive deep into the crucial topic of biosecurity within pig farms. As we know, biosecurity serves as a fundamental principle, pivotal to successful pig production. To discuss that, we bring in a special guest, Dr. Jeroen Dewulf, a leading Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology at Ghent University in Belgium. Dr. Dewulf has devoted a large part of his distinguished career to the study of infection prevention and biosecurity strategies, significantly contributing to the veterinary epidemiology realm. Here, Dr. Dewulf shares with us a very interesting tool on measuring biosecurity in a practical way.

Meet the guest: Dr. Jeroen Dewulf

Experience

• Current: Full Professor and Department Chair at Ghent University

Background

• PhD., Veterinary Sciences (Ghent University)
• MSc., Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics (Universiteit Utrecht)
• MSc., Veterinary Medicine (Ghent University)

Connect with the guest!

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Essential Ag Solutions

- Healthy Climate Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Website: swinehealthblackbelt.com

In our discussion today, we illuminated the ongoing presence of disease threats in sow farms, specifically focusing on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Our esteemed guest, Dr. Jason Hocker, a seasoned veterinarian with 17 years of experience, delved deeply into the contemporary challenges and innovative approaches within the field of swine health management. As traditional methods prove to be increasingly less effective in combating PRRS, Dr. Hocker underscored the pivotal factors that incite the disease, as well as the minor stressors that exacerbate the issue for pigs.

Meet the guest: Dr. Jason Hocker

Experience

• Current: Veterinarian at AMVC Swine Health Services

Background

• MSc., Veterinary Microbiology (Iowa State University)
• DMV, (Iowa State University)

Connect with the guest!

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Essential Ag Solutions

- Healthy Climate Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Instagram: Swine Campus

LinkedIn: Swine Campus

Website: swinehealthblackbelt.com

As precision livestock farming (PLF) continues to evolve, researchers are exploring future possibilities to improve animal welfare and enhance the swine industry. As we see, these technologies gain attention not only from farmers, but also from customers. In this episode, Dr. Babatope Akinyemi delves into the core of modern agriculture, specifically PLF, and how it's shaping the way we raise our pigs. He gives us valuable insights into the nuances of PLF and its potential to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, and also shares his findings on consumer willingness to pay for PLF adoption within the swine industry.

Meet the guest: Dr. Babatope Akinyemi

Experience

• Current: Research Associate at Michigan State University

Background

• PhD., Agricultural Economics (University of Fort Hare)
• MSc., Agricultural Economics (University of Ibadan)
• Bachelor of Technology - BTech, Agricultural Economics (Federal University of Technology Akure)

Connect with the guest!

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Essential Ag Solutions

- Healthy Climate Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Instagram: Swine Campus

LinkedIn: Swine Campus

Website: swinehealthblackbelt.com

In every facet of pig production, the importance of comprehensive health management cannot be emphasized enough. The industry is consistently exploring effective approaches to monitor, address, and mitigate health issues in swine. Magdiel Lopez, a key figure in this arena, has devoted his career to driving this mission forward. Within the realm of animal welfare, a critical focal point is the management of pain linked to necessary procedures like castration. Notably, castration in pigs induces substantial stress, potentially worsening morbidity and mortality rates. Lopez's research focuses on identifying practical solutions to alleviate this challenge.

Meet the guest: Magdiel Lopez, MSc.

Experience

• Current: Assistant Extension Professional at the University of Missouri - Columbia

Background

• MSc., Swine Welfare, Physiology and Wound Healing (North Carolina State University)
• BSc., Agronomy (National University of Honduras)

Connect with the guest!

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Essential Ag Solutions

- Healthy Climate Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Instagram: Swine Campus

LinkedIn: Swine Campus

Website: swinehealthblackbelt.com

Group housing in swine production promotes social interactions but can lead to stress due to competition for resources and aggressive behavior. Effective management, including proper space and enrichment, alleviates stress and enhances animal welfare. To shed light on this matter, I talked to Dr. Jennifer Brown about her research on swine welfare, especially in group housing, and strategies to mitigate stress under mixed conditions.

Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Brown

Experience

• Current: Research Scientist- Ethology at Prairie Swine Centre

Background

• PhD. (University of Guelph)
• MSc. (University of Guelph)
• BSc. (University of Guelph)

Connect with the guest!

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Essential Ag Solutions

- Healthy Climate Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Instagram: Swine Campus

LinkedIn: Swine Campus

Website: swinehealthblackbelt.com

During the heart of the summer season, how can sow farms maintain optimal reproductive efficiency? In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Lauren Glowzenski about managing non-productive days, with a specific emphasis on the crucial 'weaning-to-service' interval. Gain insights into how sow farms can effectively handle non-productive days, with a specific focus on the period from post-weaning until the first artificial insemination service. This period becomes even more critical during the summer. This episode will guide you through the significance of this interval and break down the main challenges that farms are currently facing during the high summer period.

Meet the guest: Dr. Lauren Glowzenski

Experience

• Current: Manager of Veterinarian Services at Trioak Foods Inc
• Past: Swine Veterinarian at Tyson Foods

Background

• M.S.Ed., (University of Pennsylvania)
• D.V.M., (University of Pennsylvania)
• B.A., Liberal Arts, Pre-Medical Sciences (Sarah Lawrence College)

Connect with the guest!

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- JBI

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Standard Nutrition

- Healthy Climate Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Instagram: Swine Campus

LinkedIn: Swine Campus

Website: swinehealthblackbelt.com

Understanding the complex world of swine health management is critical for maintaining farm productivity and reducing losses associated with disease outbreaks. In the second and final part of this two-episode sequence with Dr. Chris Rademacer, we delve into one initiative that assists with this matter: the PRRS Outbreak Management Program (POMP). Led by expert veterinarians, such as Dr. Rademacher himself, this program collects, correlates, and analyzes data to better understand how PRRS virus outbreaks and management strategies impact pig farms.

Meet the guest: Dr. Chris Rademacher

Experience

• Current: Clinical Professor at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Past: Director of Veterinary Services at New Fashion Pork; Director of Production Improvement at Smithfield Foods.

Background

• D.V.M. (the University of Minnesota)
• B.Sc. (the University of Minnesota)

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- JBI

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Standard Nutrition

- Healthy Climate Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Instagram: Swine Campus

LinkedIn: Swine Campus

Website: swinehealthblackbelt.com

Dr. Chris Rademacher currently fills the role of Clinical Professor at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Interim Director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center. In this first part of a two-episode series, we go into his background and experiences in the industry. Also, we discuss the history of the ISU McKean Swine Disease Conference and its recent changes, as this year's conference included topics such as the evolution of E. coli infections, Porcine Sapovirus, Astrovirus, and coccidiosis, along with ways of using NGS for PRRS and Streptococcus suis vaccine selection.

Meet the guest: Dr. Chris Rademacher

Experience

• Current: Clinical Professor at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Past: Director of Veterinary Services at New Fashion Pork; Director of Production Improvement at Smithfield Foods.

Background

• D.V.M. (the University of Minnesota)
• B.Sc. (the University of Minnesota)

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- JBI

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Standard Nutrition

- Healthy Climate Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Instagram: Swine Campus

LinkedIn: Swine Campus

Website: swinehealthblackbelt.com

While Sapovirus is not a new topic in conversations on livestock health, signs point towards increased outbreaks. The virus is becoming a growing concern within the swine farming industry because of the significant setbacks in piglet growth and disruptions to standard care practices it causes. So in this episode, Dr. Adam Mueller discusses Sapovirus, its impacts on piglets in both the farrowing and nursery stages, mixed infections, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.

Meet the guest: Dr. Adam Mueller

Experience

• Current: Co-owner of Swine Services Unlimited

Background

• D.V.M.

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- JBI

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Standard Nutrition

- Healthy Climate Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Instagram: Swine Campus

LinkedIn: Swine Campus

Website: swinehealthblackbelt.com

Biosecurity is of utmost importance on sow farms, as it plays a critical role in protecting the health and ensuring the productivity of the animals. At the core of the biosecurity practices of every farm is the implementation of strict protocols to control and monitor the movement of people, animals, and equipment. In this episode, Sara Pardall, B.Sc., discusses the challenges and critical points in maintaining biosecurity on sow farms from a practical perspective, as well as the significance of proper sanitation practices and the prevention of the spread of diseases.

Meet the guest: Sara Emily Pardall, B.Sc.

Experience

• Current: independent swine consultant; Project Manager at Wisenetix
• Past: sow farm manager at Carthage System

Background

• B.Sc., Animal Sciences (Iowa State University)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Visit us at https://swinehealthblackbelt.com

The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- JBI

- United Animal Health

- Adare

- Elanco

- Standard Nutrition

- Healthy Climate Solutions