Copper and zinc are trace elements which are commonly used in pig feed due to their growth-promoting and antimicrobial properties. However, overuse can lead to their excessive excretion in manure, thus leading to negative environmental consequences. So it’s critical not only to consider reducing the overuse but also choosing the best source for these minerals. In this episode, Dr. Megan Edwards discusses her experience with effectively reducing the levels of zinc and copper fed to pigs.

Weaning involves various stressors that affect the intestinal tract of pigs, cause immunological and behavioral changes, and expose the animals to pathogens, new diets, and social interactions. Such impacts of early-life stressors can have lasting effects on the health of the pigs, but it may be possible to strengthen their immune system by modulating it. With that in mind, Mitchell discusses in this episode his research on trained immunity, which involves reprogramming innate immune cells in pr...

It is a well-established fact that feed enzymes can promote growth and optimize nutrient utilization in animal production, but how much do we still need to learn about its effects on swine? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Vitor Moita about some of the studies he performed testing and evaluating the impact of xylanase and phytase on the gut microbiota, bone health, and nutrient digestibility in nursery and growing pigs.

Meet the guest

Dr. Vitor Hugo Cardoso Moita

Experience

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Many factors can cause sow prolapse, including genetic and non-genetic aspects. The issue can increase sow and preweaning mortality, as well as loss of unborn piglets, all of which affect profits and production. In the episode, Jared Harshman discusses the pilot study he has worked on that evaluates the incidence of prolapse in sows and aims to determine its causes and risk factors. The first part of this two-episode series focuses on mineral and inflammatory differences between prolapsed and no...

Pigs cannot effectively utilize phytate phosphorus, since they lack the enzyme to break it down. In turn, when phytase is added to swine diets, more phosphorus is released from phytate and thus, absorbed by the animal. That reduces the need to supplement inorganic phosphorus, which is expensive and can cause environmental problems when excreted in manure. However, is that the end of it, or can phytase contribute to the digestibility of other nutrients? In this episode, Dr. Charmaine Espinosa dis...

Vitamin A plays a vital role not only when it comes to the vision, but also to the immune and reproductive systems of swine, thus contributing to the overall health and performance of the animals. However, its precise effects remain a subject of ongoing research. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Sarah Elefson about her study that examines the impact of fat inclusion levels, fat sources, and supplementations with either vitamin A or beta-carotene on the performance, health, and vitamin status of ...

Low birth weights of piglets can result in increased mortality rates and reduced productivity. In light of this, thinking of alternatives to solve the issue is vital. In this episode, Dr. Johannes Gulmann Madsen discusses some studies that he has been working on and that focus on the matter. He talks about using creep feeding, milk replacers, and weaning transition strategies to help us potentialize the growth potential of piglets.

Meet the guest

Dr. Johannes Gulmann Madsen

Experience...