Breeding Herd http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd RSS Feed for Breeding Herd en-us Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:25:22 GMT Swine AI training deadline approaching http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/Swine-AI-training-deadline-approaching-201094331.html Artificial Insemination in Swine Production will be April 12-13 at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca, Minn. Pork producers reaffirm choice on sow housing http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/Pork-producers-reaffirm-choice-on-sow-housing-197838691.html At the National Pork Industry Forum last week, pork producers approved a resolution reaffirming the industry's position that producers should be able to select a sow housing system. Heavier-born pigs may result in greater long-term productivity http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/Heavier-born-pigs-may-result-in-greater-long-term-productivity-190265781.html Sow nutrition and management can help producers meet birth weight benchmarks. Heavier pigs at birth may result in greater productivity http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/Heavier-pigs-at-birth-may-result-in-greater-productivity-187726601.html When it comes to litters, size matters. Larger numbers of pigs per litter have a direct correlation with an operation’s total pigs marketed; however, for these pigs to meet their full potential, adequate birth weights are necessary. Iowa State researchers awarded grant to study PRRS http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/Iowa-State-researchers-awarded-grant-to-study-PRRS-187010701.html The researchers, led by Jack Dekkers, professor of animal science, will seek to identify genes in pigs that make them less susceptible to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Smithfield continues conversion to group housing http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/Smithfield-continues-conversion-to-group-housing-185653712.html Smithfield Foods Inc. has announced that at the end of 2012 it had successfully transitioned 38 percent of pregnant sows on its company-owned farms in the United States from individual gestation stalls to group housing systems. Risk to increase for producers in 2013 http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/Risk-to-increase-for-producers-in-2013-185110361.html December’s USDA Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report released last Friday indicates higher risk levels await U.S. producers in 2013. Expected reductions in the U.S. swine herd due to record high 2012 feed prices have not materialized, according to industry analysts following release of the report. Arby's makes position statement on gestation stalls http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/Arbys-makes-position-statement-on-gestation-stalls-184493821.html Arby's Restaurant Group Inc., an Atlanta-based company comprised of more than 3,400 restaurants, has released its viewpoint on sow gestation stalls in a statement posted on the firm's website. New measures in assessing sow lameness http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/New-measures-in-assessing-sow-lameness-182847951.html The ability to identify the risk factors affecting sow welfare and longevity in the herd becomes increasingly important for animal well-being, and economic viability, especially in transitioning to group housing for gestating sows. Proper heat placement in farrowing facilities critical http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/breeding-herd/Proper-heat-placement-in-farrowing-facilities-critical-182831241.html Heat placement for young pigs is a critical component for getting animals started quickly and maintaining optimal health. In farrowing facilities, piglets must be kept from becoming chilled, which often leads to scours, more tail-enders, and less healthy, thriving piglets.