Join us for the latest episode of the Swine It Canada Podcast Show, for an enlightening discussion with Dr. Miranda Smit, Assistant Knowledge Transfer Manager at Prairie Swine Centre. Dr. Smit, having navigated her way from the Netherlands to becoming a pivotal figure in Canadian swine production, shares her deep understanding of knowledge transfer and its significance. She also candidly opens up about the hurdles of aligning academic research with the practical demands of commercial farming. This episode promises to bestow invaluable perspectives from a vanguard in swine science. 

“As a researcher, you need to know a lot about a little. But now that I'm in knowledge transfer, it's the opposite.”

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:35) Introduction and welcome
• (04:08) How individuals often enter the pig industry by chance
• (08:35) From research to knowledge transfer
• (13:12) Practical application of research 
• (14:27) Targeting the right audience 
• (17:08) Importance of communicating research findings effectively
• (19:29) Encouraging students to communicate
• (24:31) Practical experiences and learning from commercial farming
• (29:08) Final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Miranda Smit

Experience:

• Current: Assistant Manager - Knowledge Transfer at Prairie Swine Centre Inc.

Background:

• Ph.D., Animal Science (University of Alberta)
• M.Sc., Agriculture (Ecole de PURPAN and Wageningen University & Research)
• Integrated B.Sc. and M.Sc., Animal Science (Wageningen University & Research)

Connect with the guest!

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

* Precision Veterinary Services

* Nutrition Partners

- Protekta

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𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In our latest episode, we embark on an enlightening journey through the intricate landscape of swine health. With the esteemed Dr. Matheus Costa, we uncover some groundbreaking insights into topics like intestinal health, the pivotal role of technology in the swine industry, and the surprising entry routes of Strep suis. Dr. Costa, with his unrivaled expertise, illuminates not just the significance of gut health, but its broader implications and what recent evidence tells us about it. From the intriguing complexities of the gut to the boundless potential of technology, this episode is brimming with revelations. 

“Technology provides us with more information so we can make better decisions. We see the gut is important and it goes beyond what we thought it was.”

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:04) Introduction to the episode
• (08:38) Discussion on gut health and antibiotics
• (13:08) Introducing the concept of microbiome
• (15:20) Discussion on specific markers and epithelial lining
• (19:14) Long-term consequences of diseases on performance
• (24:14) The issue of strep suis in pig farming
• (28:54) Focusing on interventions in maintaining and developing good gut health
• (31:58) Making creep feeding attractive for pigs
• (35:58) Mitigating disease without antibiotics
• (36:39) Final questions and ending of the episode

Meet the guest: Dr. Matheus Costa

Experience:

• Current: Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan

Background:

• Ph.D., (University of Saskatchewan)
• B.Sc., in Veterinary Medicine (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais)

Connect with the guest!

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

* Nutrition Partners

* Precision Veterinary Services

- Protekta

Are you ready to unleash the podcasting potential of your company? wisenetix.co/custom-podcast

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In our most recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of hosting the accomplished Harry Siemens. A renowned agricultural journalist and staunch advocate for farmers, Harry has dedicated years to fostering open dialogue between producers and consumers. This insightful episode dives deep into effective communication within the farming community. Listen in as Harry shares his wisdom on the significance of clear messaging, varying viewpoints on animal welfare, navigating misinformation, promoting environmental sustainability in agriculture, and so much more.

“We have to be really careful that we don't only depend on social media to get our message out. We have to make sure that we are there to tell that message as well.”

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:40) Introduction to the Podcast 
• (07:24) Discussing how to communicate about farming community effectively
• (09:06) How farming and food production has improved over time
• (10:37) Importance of transparent communication in agriculture
• (13:27) Animal care and what it involves
• (15:13) Handling misinformed sources and messaging
• (16:42) Need for transparency and communication in animal care
• (21:21) Farmers as environmentalists
• (24:00) Final questions

Meet the guest: Harry Siemens

Experience:

• Current: President at Siemens Says

Background:

• B.Sc., in German and History (University of Manitoba)

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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On our latest episode, I had the honor of hosting the esteemed Cam Dahl, who is one of the greatest references in Canadian pig production. During this interesting discussion, Cam focused on how international trade significantly impacts our robust sector. In this way, we talked about the Canadian and Manitoba’s pork industry and the importance of global trade, the growth of pork production in North America, Prop 12 and at the end, he gave us a current overview of the industry in Canada. 

“The ability to adapt and adjust production when circumstances change is what truly distinguishes successful operations from those that are less so.”

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:40) Introduction and background of Cam Dahl
• (03:57) Canadian and Manitoba’s pig industry landscape and importance of global trade
• (08:43) The thickening of the Canada-US border and the agricultural trade
• (11:04) Growth of pork production across North America
• (13:49) Discussion on the US attitude towards trade and country of origin labeling
• (14:14) Relationship with colleagues south of the border
• (15:04) Prop 12 and the Canadian context
• (19:04) Current landscape of the industry in Canada
• (21:08) Concerns over non-tariff trade barriers
• (23:02) Final questions and episode ending

Meet the guest: Cam Dahl

Experience:

• Current: General Manager at Manitoba Pork Council
• Past: Chief Strategy Officer of Cereals Canada

Background:

• M.Sc., in Agriculture Economics (University of Manitoba)
• B.Sc., in Agriculture Economics (University of Manitoba)

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

* Nutrition Partners

* Precision Veterinary Services

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode, I had the opportunity to welcome Dr. Jette Christensen to discuss very interesting topics about epidemiology and swine health surveillance. In addition to being a veterinarian and holding a Ph.D. in epidemiology, Dr. Jette has incredible practical experience, from her work in the Danish swine industry to her current work with the Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network. Throughout this episode, we will understand how it works, what the objectives and challenges of Canada's Intelligent Network are, in addition to understanding the differences between work in Danish and Canadian pig farming. Listen now and take advantage of all the knowledge available.

“I just want to emphasize again and again that Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network would not exist without the engagement and the participation from all the practitioners, from the laboratories and of course the funding from the provincial poor boards and governments.”

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:58) Introduction 
• (02:46) From Denmark to Swine It Podcast (CA) - The trajectory of Dr. Jette Christensen
• (07:20) Objectives and functions of the intelligence network
• (12:32) Connection with the Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network (CWSHIN)
• (14:16) Discussion on the funding of the networks
• (15:39) Reasons that excite Dr. Jette in her current professional position
• (16:36) Dr. Jette's challenges and concerns in her work with the network
• (18:37) Differences between working in Denmark and Canada
• (21:16) Current diseases attracting attention
• (26:11) Take home messages for the listeners
• (26:55) Final questions for the guest
• (29:42) Ending the episode

Meet the guest: Dr. Jette Christensen

Experience:

• Current: Manager in Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network (CWSHIN)
• Past: Owner in Epidemiologic Surveillance and Analysis Consulting (EpiSAC)

Background:

• Ph.D., in Epidemiology (Kongelige Veterinær- Og Landbohøjskole)
• B.Sc., in Veterinary Medicine (Kongelige Veterinær- Og Landbohøjskole)

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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In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming a very special guest who brings us a different perspective on the use of pigs. Dr. Dylan Olver is an assistant professor of the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan and is dedicated to the research of pigs as a biological model for humans. In this episode, he discusses the details of using pigs and mice in research, what is the relationship between cardiac, vascular and neurological changes in pigs, how the use of these animals can improve human medicine and, consequently, the lives of people who need transplants. Dr. Olver also shows how it is possible to apply some of the knowledge obtained through these studies in pig production. 

“When pigs are born at a low birth weight, even if they have been refed or regained weight at a faster rate so they are on par with their normal birth weight littermates or their normal weight littermates, abnormalities persist even when their body weight has been restored to normal.”

What you’ll learn:

(00:00) Highlight

(03:31) Benefits of using pigs instead of rodents

(06:43) Applying a cognitive test to pigs

(09:58) Exercise impact on pigs

(12:39) Diabetes, cognition, and blood flow studies

(18:15) The long-term effects of inflammation and antioxidant defense on cognition

(21:20) The impact of selective breeding on cardiovascular function in pigs

(24:10) Stress response in large pigs

(26:17) Study on birth weight and its effect on cardiac function

(32:03) Insights on insulin sensitivity and nitric oxide molecule

(33:55) Discussion on complications due to low birth weight

(35:21) Introduction to the Osaba Swine

(38:28) Key take-home messages

(40:13) The three final questions

Meet the guest:

Dr. Dylan Olver

Experience

Current: Assistant Professor of the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan

Background

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Cardiovascular & Microcirculation Groups (University of Missouri-Columbia )

Ph.D., Neurovascular Research Lab (The University of Western Ontario)

M.Sc., Exercise Nutrition Research Lab (The University of Western Ontario)

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

- Nutrition Partners

- Precision Veterinary Services

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Wild pig populations are on the rise across North America, prompting concern about their impact on the environment, agriculture, and disease transmission to domesticated pigs. In this episode, Dr. Wayne Lees covers the unique situation in western Canada, where the increasing numbers of wild pigs have found a suitable habitat, causing immense damage to the local ecosystem. He unveils the significant underlying issues with wild pigs beyond what we see and paints a real picture of the extensive harm these animals are causing to the environment and other species.

“Wild pigs are an invasive species. You need to take control measures very quickly and very aggressively. If you wait until a problem starts to get large, then you're way behind." - Dr. Wayne Lees

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:40) Introduction 
• (03:52) One Health Approach
• (04:56) Wild pigs risks to the environment and to animals and humans’ health
• (08:43) History of Eurasian wild boars in agriculture
• (14:37) Implementing control measures for wild pig population
• (17:08) Surveillance: importance and methods
• (22:41) Wild pig behavior and control methods
• (27:40) Challenges in wild pig control and importance of collaborations
• (31:40) The three final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Wayne Lees

Experience

• Current: Program Coordinator of Squeal on Pigs Manitoba 
• Past: Senior Consultant; Chair at Oak Lake Regional Community Development Board and Chief Veterinary Officer at the Province of Manitoba

Background

• M.Sc., Veterinary Epidemiology (University of Guelph)
• D.V.M. (University of Saskatchewan)

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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The increasing global population demands pork production to address food security concerns. The pig industry produces nutritious and economical protein sources and efficiently uses feedstuffs that humans cannot use. A combination of such sustainable practices and efficient and biologically secure farming could prevent significant starvation scenarios in the future. So, in this episode, Rick Bergmann discusses swine health, trade issues, and political matters, highlighting pork production's importance in tackling food security issues and the importance of international cooperation and supply chain strength in the swine industry.

“We've seen a lot of ups and downs in the sector, a lot of change, and I foresee more changes to come in different ways." - Rick Bergmann

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:12) Introduction 
• (04:23) Reflections on the pork industry and challenges faced
• (07:10) Benefits and pitfalls of being a largely exporting country
• (10:07) Proposition 12 and its effects on Canada
• (14:59) Food security, supply chains and food production
• (18:56) Pork cycle and current challenges
• (22:42) Future threats to pig health
• (26:40) Need for innovative tools in Canada
• (29:45) Advocacy organizations and the role of provincial pork organizations
• (32:14) Opportunities in the next ten years
• (35:06) Take home messages
• (37:30) Three final questions

Meet the guest: Rick Bergmann

Experience

• Current: President at Buckingham Ag inc., Chair at the Canadian Pork Council and Vice chair at Manitoba Pork Council;
• Past: General manager at Paradigm Agri Solutions.

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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Understanding the behavior of pigs not only enhances how we manage livestock, but also aids in creating better-informed practices that can revolutionize the swine industry. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Brown unravels the intricate details of ethology studies that help govern swine welfare practices, especially in Canada. Emphasizing the incredible influence of understanding animal behavior on livestock management, she guides us along the journey of exploration, adoption, and potential challenges that lie within swine farming.

"There is a lot of work going on right now regarding the automated measurement of behavior. Most people think they understand behavior, but we have a really poor understanding of it." - Dr. Jennifer Brown

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:30) Introduction
• (05:50) Ethology and welfare 
• (10:21) The code of practice and research on sow’s group housing
• (20:44) Pain management in piglets, adoption of NSAIDs
• (24:15) Enrichment for different age groups of pigs
• (27:42) Changing the enrichment for sows
• (30:33) The code requirement and issues of pig transportation
• (36:15) A look at future research next steps
• (40:14) Take home message
• (42:13) Three final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Brown

Experience

• Current: Research Scientist - Ethology at Prairie Swine Centre

Background

• Ph.D., Applied Ethology (University of Guelph)
• M.Sc. (University of Prince Edward Island)
• B.Sc. (University of Prince Edward Island)

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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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)

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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