In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Swaminathan Jayaraman, Research Assistant and PhD Candidate at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, explains how integrated data systems can improve disease surveillance in swine production. He discusses combining diagnostics, animal movement data, production records, and spatial analytics to identify risks earlier and support proactive decision-making for PRRS, PED, and swine influenza. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Disease surveillance remains largely reactive because outbreaks are often confirmed only after transmission has already occurred across multiple connected production sites."

Meet the guest: Swaminathan Jayaraman is a Graduate Research Assistant at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. With academic training in management information systems and engineering, he focuses on integrating diagnostic, production, and movement data to improve disease surveillance and decision support in swine production systems. Listen to Swaminathan Jayaraman on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:05) Introduction
• (02:03) Disease surveillance challenges
• (05:59) Integrated data systems
• (08:28) Spatial risk mapping
• (15:55) Predictive disease alerts
• (19:35) Proactive outbreak control
• (22:50) Final questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* dsm-firmenich

* DietForge

- Topigs Norsvin

- The Owner's Box

- Elevate

- WiseVAs

- ZentrixOS

- Zentrix Insights

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Alexandre Thibodeau, from the University of Montreal, explains how synthetic microbiota and bioreactor systems can help researchers study gut microorganisms, evaluate feed additives, investigate Salmonella control strategies, and develop alternatives to animal trials. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Bioreactor models can screen microbiota solutions before animal trials, lowering costs and reducing the number of pigs needed."

Meet the guest: Dr. Alexandre Thibodeau is an Associate Professor at the University of Montreal, in Canada, with a PhD in Veterinary Science and Microbiology. His work focuses on swine gut health, food safety, microbiota research, pathogen control, and alternative research models that support animal production and welfare. His research explores innovative strategies to better understand interactions among microorganisms and to improve livestock health outcomes. Learn more from Dr. Alexandre Thibodeau on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:32) Introduction
• (02:02) Synthetic microbiota
• (03:47) Bioreactor setup
• (06:57) Microbiota stability
• (11:05) Additive testing
• (21:26) Future applications
• (26:01) Closing thoughts

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* DietForge

* dsm-firmenich

- Topigs Norsvin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Darryl D’Souza from the SunPork Group in Australia discusses how vertically integrated systems shape R&D strategies in swine production. He shares a decade-long innovation journey with the Maternity Rings system, offering insights on welfare, efficiency, and variability management across the pork supply chain. Tune in to hear how science drives change. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to read the full research articles:

A five domains assessment of sow welfare in a novel free farrowing system

Stockperson attitudes towards Maternity Rings and farrowing crates

Pork producer invents alternative to farrowing crates for birthing pigs

"Research projects must tie back to our strategic plan: cost, revenue, or risk."

Meet the guest: Dr. Darryl D’Souza completed his Ph.D. in Meat Science at the University of Melbourne and currently serves as Executive General Manager at SunPork Group in Australia. With more than 25 years of experience in swine research, innovation, and production, his work focuses on genetics, animal welfare, production systems, and value chain performance across the pork industry. Listen to Dr. Darryl D’Souza on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms!

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:02) Introduction
• (02:57) Research integration strategy
• (07:24) Sow housing innovation
• (15:36) Adjustments for maternity pens
• (23:36) Consumer market impact
• (25:35) Strategic research alignment
• (28:57) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* dsm-firmenich

* DietForge

- Topigs Norsvin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine it Podcast Show Canada

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Stephen Frazer, swine veterinarian at Demeter Services Vétérinaires, explains how field research connects university science with real commercial swine production. He discusses research design, economic impact, external validity, health challenges, and practical implementation on farms. Dr. Frazer also shares how applied research helps producers stay competitive with modern genetics and production systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Field research applies rigorous scientific methods within commercial production systems while focusing on practical economic outcomes that directly affect modern swine operations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Frazer completed both a Master of Veterinary Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Université de Montréal. Currently working as a swine veterinarian at Demeter Services Vétérinaires, Dr. Frazer focuses on applied field research, production health, and practical strategies that improve commercial swine operations. Learn more about field research and swine production by listening to Dr. Stephen Frazer on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.

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Dr. Joshua Selsby: Preparing for Heat Stress Challenges | Ep. 155

Dr. Heather Wilson: Intrauterine Vaccines in Swine | Ep. 159

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:27) Introduction
• (02:37) Field research
• (05:47) Economics importance
• (10:17) Advantages and limitations
• (14:07) Field research benefits
• (20:03) Research insights
• (25:09) Final Questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Swine Veterinary Partners

* dsm-firmenich

* DietForge

- Topigs Norsvin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Ellen Goddard, Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta, discusses public acceptance of genomic technologies in pork production. She explains why disease resistance is viewed positively, how labeling affects trust, why farmers remain highly credible messengers, and how communication can shape consumer confidence around gene editing. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Not providing information is a choice that can affect long-term public trust."

Meet the guest: Dr. Ellen Goddard is Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta and an agricultural economist. Her work focuses on consumer behavior, trust, livestock sectors, and public attitudes toward food technologies. She also specializes in economic modeling for pork, beef, and dairy systems. Learn more from Dr. Ellen Goddard on the Swine in Canada Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:31) Introduction
• (05:11) Labeling demand
• (11:27) Disease resistance
• (14:31) Technology preference
• (21:31) Cost insights
• (23:41) Farmer trust
• (33:11) Final questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* DietForge

* dsm-firmenich

- Topigs Norsvin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jon Bergstrom, Senior Technical Expert in Swine Nutrition at dsm-firmenich, provides an update on the importance of vitamin D in sow and pig nutrition. He discusses vitamin D requirements, the benefits of 25(OH)D3, and recent findings related to bone health, immunity, lameness, and mineral utilization. Learn how vitamin D status can influence performance and welfare across production stages. Listen now on all major platforms!

Want to continue exploring vitamin D in pig nutrition? Check out this episode from The Swine it Podcast Show!

"25(OH)D3 is two and a half times more effective on an equal unit basis of vitamin D activity for improving vitamin D status in pigs."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jon Bergstrom earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science from Kansas State University and has spent more than 15 years with dsm-firmenich, Animal Nutrition and Health. He works with academia and the swine industry to advance the understanding of nutrient requirements and practical nutritional solutions, including vitamins, phytase, calcium and phosphorus nutrition, and digestive health strategies. Listen to Dr. Jon Bergstrom on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.

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Dr. Jon Bergstrom: Vitamin D in Swine Diets | Ep. 95

Dr. Danyel Dalto: Vitamins Impact on Gilts and Sows | Ep. 140

Katlyn McClellan: Sow Late Gestation Nutrition | Ep. 154

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:33) Introduction
• (03:48) Vitamin D importance
• (07:23) Swine requirements
• (11:23) Different sources
• (16:33) Research insights
• (22:54) Nursery performance
• (31:33) Final questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* dsm-firmenich

* DietForge

- Topigs Norsvin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, explains how genetics can improve disease resilience in pigs. She explores how resilience differs from resistance, the role of genetic variation, and how breeding strategies can enhance health and performance under disease pressure. Dr. Dunkelberger also covers practical applications and future implications for swine production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Controlled experimental trials confirm that differences in mortality and performance under disease pressure are linked to genetic background, even when environmental conditions remain consistent."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger is a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, where she leads the Global Health and Behavior Research Platform. She earned her PhD from Iowa State University, focusing on host genetics and disease response in pigs. Her work centers on improving swine health and performance through genetic selection for resilience and behavior traits. 

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:23) Introduction
• (02:53) Health traits focus
• (04:01) Resilience explained
• (06:17) Genetics role
• (13:25) Breeding strategy
• (17:08) Complex genetics
• (23:19) Final Questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- Topigs Norsvin

* DietForge

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Carles Vilalta, epidemiologist at IRTA CReSA in Spain, explains the current African swine fever situation, including origin, transmission, and control strategies. He highlights the role of human activity, wild boar dynamics, and biosecurity measures to protect commercial farms. Learn how surveillance and field actions shape disease containment. Listen now on all major platforms!

"ASF demonstrates slow animal to animal transmission despite high infectivity, making it a clumsy disease that depends heavily on human mediated spread."

Meet the guest: Dr. Carles Vilalta is an epidemiologist, swine veterinarian, and researcher at IRTA-CReSA in Spain. His work focuses on epidemiology, swine health, disease surveillance, and research support for government and industry programs. Learn more from Dr. Carles Vilalta on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:46) Introduction
• (05:30) ASF in Spain
• (07:27) Human-driven spread
• (09:46) Wild boar control
• (13:00) ASF genotype
• (18:19) Eradication outlook
• (23:13) Final questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* DietForge

- dsm-firmenich

- Topigs Norsvin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Marina Meester, Assistant Professor at Utrecht University, explains how genetic sequence data helps track virus transmission in pig farms. She outlines how combining sequencing with infection timing improves biosecurity, distinguishes internal spread from new introductions, and supports regional disease control strategies. Practical insights highlight sampling, collaboration, and data sharing. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Repeated sequencing can show whether a virus is circulating inside a farm or whether a new introduction has occurred."

Meet the guest: Dr. Marina Meester is an Assistant Professor in Veterinary Epidemiology at Utrecht University, focusing on virus transmission in swine production systems. She is a veterinarian with a Master’s in Epidemiology and completed a PhD on hepatitis E spread in pig farms in the Netherlands. Her research combines genetic sequencing and field data to improve biosecurity and disease control. Learn more from Dr. Marina Meester on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:22) Introduction
• (03:37) Sequence data
• (06:12) Cost and access
• (16:52) Usability
• (18:37) Data sharing
• (22:22) Practical advice
• (24:54) Final questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* DietForge

- dsm-firmenich

- Topigs Norsvin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jessica Law, veterinarian and owner of the Prairie Livestock Veterinarians, explains how preventative medicine strengthens herd health and production outcomes. She discusses biosecurity, vaccination strategies, piglet care, and the importance of collaboration between veterinarians and producers. The discussion highlights how small management decisions influence long-term performance. Get practical tips on disease prevention, vaccination strategies, and how to keep your herd healthy and performing at its best. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Herd health is just like this big ecosystem; it’s a combination of animal health, production, and the goals for those animals."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jessica Law earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Calgary and works as a swine veterinarian and owner at Prairie Livestock Veterinarians. Her work focuses on herd health, disease prevention, reproduction, and pathology, as well as teaching future veterinarians. She also contributes to research and industry education. Learn more from Dr. Jessica Law on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:23) Introduction
• (04:05) Herd health overview
• (05:33) Producer collaboration
• (13:23) Ventilation's role in health
• (15:13) Biosecurity insights
• (22:23) Management strategies
• (33:51) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* DietForge

- dsm-firmenich

- Topigs Norsvin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine it Podcast Show Canada

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