The belly of the pig has become substantially crucial in recent years, mainly due to increased global demand. Countries like South Korea and Japan favor these cuts for their traditional cooking methods and are willing to pay a premium for high-quality bellies. Moreover, the popularity and frequent use of bacon in North American recipes have increased demand for premium-quality pork bellies. So, in this episode, I talk to Dr. Manuel Juarez about pork belly quality, innovations, and automated systems for measuring belly firmness, covering the balance between diet and genetics while determining pork belly quality.

“Bacon is everywhere every day, and then other pork cuts are maybe not as common. So the combination of the export markets plus the popularity of bacon, have helped increase the price of the pork belly." - Dr. Manuel Juarez

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (03:03) Introduction
• (05:07) Explanation on the term "phenomics"
• (06:48) What determines pork belly quality and how to measure it
• (11:49) Firmness measurement methods
• (16:04) Iodine value in carcass assessment
• (18:26) Development of bar-bend into an automated system
• (21:22) Using multiple conveyors for industry
• (24:55) Factors affecting quality of pork belly
• (32:24) Advancements in research on pork belly quality
• (33:29) The three final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Manuel Juarez

Experience

• Current: Livestock Phenomics Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 
• Past: Meat Quality Brand Manager at Spanish Association of Breeders of the Goat Malagueña

Background

• M.B.A. Agri-Food (EOI)
• Ph.D., Animal Science (University of Seville)
• M.B.A. (CEREM)
• D.V.M. (University of Cordoba)

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

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Nutrition Partners

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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It is imperative to have excellent reproductive capacity within a swine herd in order to enjoy the farm's success and profitability in the future. In this episode, Dan Bussieres provides practical tips and takeaways on critical topics like semen extenders, reduced semen doses, post-cervical artificial insemination techniques, and strategic breeding protocols that he's successfully implemented on large commercial farms. 

“We want something for the producers to be able to apply on a day-to-day basis and improve their reproduction process." - Dan Bussieres

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:33) Introduction
• (05:23) Breeding management
• (06:26) Semen extenders
• (11:07) Semen evaluation and insemination techniques
• (18:09) Advantages and challenges of post-cervical insemination
• (23:33) Breeding strategies
• (27:07) Gestation housing in Canada and Prop12 in the U.S.
• (30:43) Take home messages

Meet the guest: Dan Bussieres

Experience

• Current: Co-owner and swine nutritionist at Groupe Cérès Inc.

Background

• B.Sc., Animal Sciences (Université Laval)

Connect with the guest!

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

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Nutrition Partners

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Innovative strategies for disease prevention and management are needed for the Canadian - and global - swine industry. Currently, a lot of attention is being paid to understanding Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) and determining its implications for our pig production. For effective control and prevention of swine diseases, such as PCV2, it is critical to review all available information and tools and, as our today's guest well say, think outside the box. So, in this episode, Dr. Fabian Chamba shares his extensive experience on PCV2 diagnostics and monitoring as well as some lessons he learned by conducting several research studies in that area. 

“Challenge the status quo, because with PCV2 we tend to think in a certain way and we are not really open to thinking in other ways." - Dr. Fabian Chamba

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:32) Introduction 
• (07:17) Research design in commercial farms
• (09:56) Implementation of research in barns: focus, goals and analysis 
• (13:39) Lessons learned from past research projects
• (21:12) PCV2: diagnostic, impact, and trends
• (31:17) Re-evaluating the effectiveness of PCV2 vaccine
• (38:06) Key messages
• (40:38) Three final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Fabian Chamba

Experience

• Current: Co-Owner at Granja Barrera Inc.
• Past: Applied Researcher at South West Ontario Veterinary Services

Background

• Ph.D., Veterinary Medicine (University of Minnesota)
• M.Sc., Food Animal Production - Poultry (Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial)
• D.V.M. (Central University of Ecuador)

Connect with the guest!

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

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Nutrition Partners

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Swineherd health is a pressing concern across the globe, and stringent biosecurity measures have been implemented to maintain the robustness and productivity of pig populations. In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Luc Dufresne. Our conversation highlights the shift towards biocontainment for a more dynamic approach, emphasizing a two-way disease prevention strategy—addressing both incoming and outgoing risks. He warns against macro-level biosecurity pitfalls and stresses the importance of understanding disease epidemiology. He advocates for adaptable, science-based strategies rather than blindly adhering to tradition.

"What are the unknown black boxes? Attempt to decipher them. Betterment is crucial for cultivating robust biosecurity in a region, minimizing disease risks." - Dr. Luc Dufresne

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:40) Introduction 
• (04:52) Swine veterinary experience and collaboration
• (08:01) Starting topic on Biosecurity
• (09:17) The global approach to biosecurity
• (11:04) Biocontainment and prevention measures
• (12:31) Examination of Regional Biosecurity Risk
• (13:54) Possible entrance points for disease
• (14:47) Quarantine and Prevention Measures for imported animals
• (16:21) Emergence of digital companies in the veterinary community
• (17:03) Usage of technology and intelligence in swine health and biosecurity
• (20:24) Biocontainment and the early detection of infections
• (20:51) Multilevel view on biosecurity - Farm, System, and the Region
• (25:59) Important keys for Success in regional biosecurity
• (28:51) Mindset shift from biosecurity to biocontainment
• (29:00) Discussing key points and plans
• (30:09) Final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Luc Dufresne

Experience

• Current: Swine veterinarian at the Luc Dufresne Inc.

Background

• D.M.V., at the University of Montreal

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

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Nutrition Partners

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Robust biosecurity compliance is imperative for the Canadian and global swine industry. Aligning rigorous biosecurity protocols with employees' varied routines and habits poses challenges. Also, quantifying impact continues to be a daunting task, as does supplanting unfruitful practices with innovative approaches. Amidst these intricacies, cost-effectiveness remains paramount, with an emphasis on risk management and sustainable returns on investment. In an engaging discussion with Dr. Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, we delved into the complexities of sustaining this critical goal. Dr. Vaillancourt sheds light on fortifying swine health through biosecurity, unraveling the nuances of regulatory adherence and measuring efficacy in this multifaceted domain.

"The crux of the matter is compliance — persuading people to adopt effective biosecurity measures in a swine farm. This presents the main challenge." - Dr. Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:03) Introduction 
• (07:38) The challenges of maintaining biosecurity
• (14:55) The threat posed by wild hogs in North America
• (15:26) Discussion on consumer preferences for ethically-raised meats.
• (16:41) The compliance and personality traits on biosecurity
• (19:08) Understanding adult learners in farming
• (21:38) The role and effectiveness of footbaths
• (23:06) The importance of employee engagement
• (28:09) The importance of animal care
• (35:34) Risks of periodical employee movement
• (38:42) Preparing for future potential public health issues
• (40:39) The unexpected benefits of field experience
• (53:20) Final Questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt

Experience

• Current: Professor in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal

Background

• Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)
• M.Sc., (University of Montreal)
• D.M.V., (University of Montreal)

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

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Nutrition Partners

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Phosphorus and calcium are vital minerals for swine nutrition and health. As such, research efforts have been intensified to refine their role, aiming for sustainable practices. With that in mind, I interview Dr. Marie-Pierre Létourneau Montminy, an expert in calcium and phosphorus nutrition, to discuss new findings on the subject and the importance of sustainability. Dr. Montminy shares insights on daily calcium and phosphorus requirements for sows, strategies to maximize bone development for guilts, and compares protein deposition in swine and broilers.

"Our first results showed that the sow demineralizes bone independently of the level [of calcium and phosphorus] we give. Lactation causes slight demineralization, and recovery may not always occur." - Dr. Marie-Pierre Montminy

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:10) Introduction 
• (05:18) A discussion about research on calcium and phosphorus
• (06:59) Sustainability in relation to nutrition
• (10:12) A revision of nutritional requirements
• (12:20) Developing a daily requirements model for calcium and phosphorus
• (14:20) The phosphorus and calcium requirements of sows
• (18:06) Strategies to maximize the bone development of guilts
• (20:00) The Long-term benefit of bone mineralization
• (22:22) Comparing the protein deposition between swine and broilers
• (24:15) Challenges in modeling feed intake
• (28:35) The potential impact of researching in partnership on basic studies
• (33:14) Final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Marie-Pierre Létourneau Montminy

Experience

• Current: Associate Professor at Laval University

Background

• Ph.D. (Laval University)
• M.Sc. (AgroParisTech - INRAE)
• B.Sc. (Laval University)

Connect with the guest!

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

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Nutrition Partners

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Introducing the Pig Paradigm Project! Have you ever heard of it? It's a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in Denmark with a whopping €20 million investment. To shed light on this project and discuss gut health, I talk with Dr. Élisabeth Chassé, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Aarhus University. Dr. Chassé explains her dynamic role in the Pig Paradigm Project of comparing prebiotics with dietary fiber in order to understand their unique properties and influences on the piglets' gut. She also delves into the role of fiber in gut health and important strategies related to antibiotic reduction.

"Fiber, though often misunderstood, holds a hidden power for animal gut health. Let's redefine its role and embrace its benefits for healthier swine." - Dr. Élisabeth Chassé

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:10) Introduction 
• (05:45) The Pig Paradigm Project
• (09:59) The potential impact of prebiotics
• (13:20) Differences between NDF and NSP analyses
• (16:28) Understanding the impact of fiber on digestibility
• (17:45) Evaluating fiber and its health benefits
• (19:39) A focus on Xylanase in digestibility studies
• (25:07) Environmental impacts and the effects of antibiotic reduction and increased fiber use
• (26:12) Research on feed frequency and meal size  
• (28:16) Applying research in commercial settings to maximize pig performance
• (29:59) Final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Élisabeth Chassé

Experience

• Current: Postdoctoral Researcher at Aarhus University

Background

• Ph.D., Animal Sciences (the University of Laval)
• M.Sc., Animal Sciences (the University of Laval)
• B.Sc., Agronomy (the University of Laval)

Connect with the guest!

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

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Nutrition Partners

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Ensuring biosecurity in the swine industry is crucial for the health of our animals and communities – and biocontainment is a key part of it. In this episode, we focus our conversation on the revolutionary software of geofencing and its profound impact on enhancing biosecurity in the pork production sector by establishing protective boundaries around farms. Our guest, Dr. Karine Talbot, discusses how this innovative technology opens new horizons for transmission prevention and control. Particularly, we go into the role it plays in the containment of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) – a highly contagious and infectious disease that has been recently shaking Manitoba's swine sector. 

"With geofencing software, we can swiftly contain farm issues, breaking the cycle [of the disease]. It's like a farm algorithm, making everything real and precise.” - Dr. Karine Talbot

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:00) Introduction 
• (04:44) Geofencing software and its benefits
• (07:32) The importance of biocontainment
• (10:36) A discussion on how viruses spread
• (13:59) The risks posed by cell phones
• (15:15) Contact tracing
• (18:20) Reviewing biosecurity and biocontainment
• (19:14) Implementing a Controlled Access Zone (CAS)
• (21:49) A discussion on the reduction of PED impact
• (28:09) The learning process of dealing with pathogens
• (31:08) Wrapping up and discussing key takeaways
• (32:40) Three final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Karine Talbot

Experience

• Current: Veterinarian at Hylife Ltd.

Background

• D.V.M. (the University of Montreal)

Connect with the guest!

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

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Nutrition Partners

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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During gestation and lactation, it is crucial to provide sows with the appropriate amount of amino acids and proteins. These vital nutrients support significant metabolic processes that directly impact fetal growth, mammary gland development, and milk production. To shed light on the subject, I talk with Dr. Lee Anne Huber, an expert in swine nutrition and metabolism. Dr. Huber shares with us the latest research on the impact of nutrition on mammary gland development during late gestation, focusing on amino acid requirements, as well as studies on the exploration of the feeding program for lactating sows, specifically focusing on the dynamic nature of their nutrient requirements throughout the lactation period.  

"I believe it is essential for us to explore alternative methods of feeding our reproductive sows. These animals can be likened to Ferraris, where nothing less than premium quality is acceptable." - Dr. Lee Anne Huber

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:53) Introduction
• (05:58) Sow nutrition: filling the gaps to achieve enhanced models
• (08:35) The impact of nutrition on mammary gland development during late gestation
• (16:29) Newly found implications of feeding gestation sows
• (24:04) Optimizing sow nutrition in lactation
• (31:35) Final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Lee Anne Huber

Experience

• Current: Associate Professor at the University of Guelph
• Past: farm laborer (dairy, swine, beef), research assistant

Background

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Biochemistry (the University of Newfoundland)
• Ph.D., Swine Nutrition and Metabolism (the University of Guelph) 
• M.Sc., Swine Nutrition (the University of Guelph)
• B.Sc., Animal Biology (the University of Guelph)

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𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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The Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) virus is a highly contagious and devastating pathogen. While it particularly impacts piglets under the age of 10 and other animals do recover from the diarrhea, it is still a threat to the whole swine sector. To prevent infection, effective farm cleanup is crucial – and it demands thoroughness and caution. To gain valuable insights into that, I speak with Janelle Hamblin, M.Sc., an expert in the Manitoba pork sector who devises strategies to address this issue in the Canadian swine industry. She shares insights on the Manitoba Pork PED initiative, the incidence of the disease compared to other regions, strategies for its elimination, and concerns regarding optimal market weight and penalties due to the virus.

“Mortality in piglets under ten days of age is devastating, as it exceeds a rate of 95%. This highlights the importance PED elimination strategies to prevent severe dehydration and eventual death.” - Jenelle Hamblin, M.Sc.

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:30) Introduction
• (04:20) What is the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) virus 
• (08:52) The Manitoba Pork Initiative on PED
• (17:36) PED incidence in Manitoba compared to other regions in Canada as well as other countries
• (20:24) Strategies to eliminate PED
• (32:21) Concerns about optimal market weight and penalties
• (34:42) Final questions

Meet the guest: Jenelle Hamblin, M.Sc.

Experience

• Current: Manager, Swine Health (Manitoba Pork)
• Past: Farm Production Extension Specialist (Manitoba Agriculture)

Background

• M.Sc., Animal Sciences (the University of Manitoba) 
• B.Sc., Microbiology (the University of Manitoba)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Nutrition Partners

- Protekta