Category: Articles

Understanding late-finishing mortality

The cost of late mortality is significant in relation to early mortality. By Aaron J. Lower DVM | Apr 21, 2017 Much of the focus in wean-to-market pig production tends to be on getting weaned pigs placed, started on feed and going. That attention is warranted as we commonly observe early health issues coupled with the stress of getting pigs converted from milk-based to plant-based protein. In our race to get pigs to town, producers seem to shrug off late-finishing mortality in hopes of just getting to

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Sick Pig or Hungry Pig?

With a few basic observations, pig caretakers can quickly learn to identify sick pigs vs. hungry pigs and manage them accordingly. Clayton Johnson DVM  | Mar 17, 2017 Starting wean pigs is the most critical task in Wean-to-Finish production.  Pigs that start well quickly hit “cruise control” and unless interrupted by disease will experience rapid growth and feed conversion all the way to marketing.  Unfortunately, the opposite is also true, pigs that don’t start well require increased caretaker attention and resources.  Hard starting groups fight

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