The Squeal

We know feeder spacing and overcrowding affect animal behavior. But did you know nutrition also plays a part in animal behavior? Dr. Irena Czycholl (PIC Research Scientist on Animal Welfare and Applied Animal Behavior), Dr. Ning Lu (PIC Nutrition Specialist), and Dr. Simon Turner (Scotland's Rural College Senior Researcher) share insights on how nutrition plays a part in animal behavior, in this f...

Benchmarking provides much data, which can be useful data if its turned into actionable items that inform and impact operations. The Squeal brings in Dr. Carlos Roudergue (Country View Family Farms), Dr. Juan Carlos Pinilla (PIC Director Global Technical Services Reproduction), and Greg Bilbrey (PIC Account Manager) to discuss how sow farm benchmarking can benefit your operation, today and into th...

Is it time to review your mortality protocols? Every livestock enterprise deals with deaths a bit differently but there should be common considerations. Dr. Deanne Hemker (PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian) and Jason Pooley (PIC Health Operations Programs Manager) walk through key points on setting up and managing mortality. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig produce...

In this episode on boar lameness factors and management, Dr. Michael Kleve-Feld (PIC Director for Applied Male Reproduction), Dr. Tom Riek (PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian), and Mike Luyks (Kaslo Bay Artificial Breeders) share their findings on reducing problems in the stud. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We k...

Maximum Lifetime Productivity is a result of the right genetics in the right animals at the right time, keeping those animals in the best reproductive condition possible during that period. Dr. Michael Kleve-Feld (PIC Director for Applied Male Reproduction), Dr. Tom Riek (PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian), and Mike Luyks (Kaslo Bay Artificial Breeders) look at factors impacting boar lameness and...

How are suppliers involved in biosecurity? PIC's Jason Pooley (PIC Supply Chain Manager) and Michael McKinney (PIC Account Manager) look at feed mill biosecurity and discuss how biosecurity pays big dividends when properly followed. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business success depends on yours. Th...

This is the final episode of a three part series looking at sow feeding. The group on the Squeal talk about timing tips and tools. We're joined by PIC's Ning Lu (PIC Nutrition Specialist) and Juan Orozco (PIC Technical Services Manager). At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business success depends on your...

This is part two of a three part series looking at sow feeding. Jerry Purvis (NG Purvis Farms Nutrition Manager), Dr. Sergio Canavates (PIC Technical Service Director Applied Female Reproduction), and Dr. Uislei Orlando (PIC Global Nutrition Programs Director) help address how sow feeding program implementations contribute to the overall efficiency of a system. At PIC, our goal is to make our cust...

This is part one of a three part series looking at sow feeding. Fred Kuhr (Production Supervisor, Dykhuis Farms Inc.), Dr. Sergio Canavates (Technical Service Director Applied Female Reproduction, PIC), and Carine Vier (Global Nutrition Specialist, PIC) focus on sow body condition management, keeping people engaged, and feeding programs. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successfu...

This is part two of a two part series looking at managing operations in the summer months. Dr. Sergio Canavate (PIC North American Technical Service Manager), Nat Stas (PIC Wean to Finish Technical Services Manager), and Dr. Clayton Johnson (Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd.) wrap up this series on summer preparation, giving special consideration to nutrition, feed management, and pelleting. At PI...

This is part one of a two part series looking at managing operations in the summer months. Dr. Sergio Canavate (PIC North American Technical Service Manager), Nat Stas (PIC Wean to Finish Technical Services Manager), and Dr. Clayton Johnson (Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd.) share their insights on getting ready and understating the day to day summer activity to keep pigs safe and healthy. At PIC...

What is the weakest link in your biosecurity program? What is your strongest? People are an integral part of any biosecurity program. On The Squeal sharing tips and learnings are Megan Mitchell (PIC Health Operations Manager) and Jason Pooley (PIC Health Programs Manager). At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know...

How do nutritionists look at feed costs? Top nutrition experts Steve Kitt (First Choice Livestock LLC), Dr. Uislei Orlando (PIC Global Nutrition Programs Director), and Wayne Cast (PIC Nutritionist) share their insights in this episode (part 3 of a 3 part series). At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our busin...

To discuss feed cost aspects are top nutrition experts Steve Kitt (First Choice Livestock LLC), Dr. Uislei Orlando (PIC Global Nutrition Programs Director), and Wayne Cast (PIC Nutritionist). In this episode (part 2 of a 3 part series) the panel looks at additives and management options to improve efficiency. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing...

To discuss feed cost aspects are top nutrition experts Steve Kitt (First Choice Livestock LLC), Dr. Uislei Orlando (PIC Global Nutrition Programs Director), and Wayne Cast (PIC Nutritionist). In this episode (part 1 of a 3 part series) the panel looks at pelleting and feed quality. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics....

What are the most valuable Wean-to-Finish benchmarking metrics to help improve? The Squeal looks at Wean-to-Finish benchmarking with Dr. Josh Duff (Country View Family Farms), Denise Van De Stroet (PIC Data Analytics Manager - North America), and Greg Bilbrey (PIC Key Account Manager). Comparing internally across sites, genetic lines, and to budget is one of the first steps to improving over time....

The Squeal wraps up this series on the history of PIC looking at the decades in development and the daily execution. The groups looks to answer what made PIC. On The Squeal are Andrew Coates, Jose Piva, Marly Hiatt, and Dr. Bill Christianson. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business success depends on...

The Squeal continues with the History of PIC, looking at the origin story of the names and line numbers. The group also looks at the onset of artificial insemination. With The Squeal today are Andrew Coates, Jose Piva, Marly Hiatt, and Dr. Bill Christianson. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business su...

The Squeal not only shares information but brings people together as part of a collaborative focus. This episode starts a series on the history of PIC thru the eyes of key players. The group includes Andrew Coates, Jose Piva, Marly Hiatt, and Dr. Bill Christianson. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our busi...

The Squeal today wraps up the conversation on boar retention and nutrition by looking at key factors in understanding boar stud lifetime expectations. Joining us are Dr. Mike Tokach (Kansas State University), Dr. Michael Kleve-Feld (PIC Technical Services Director for Applied Male Reproduction) and Dr. Ning Lu (PIC Nutrition Specialist). At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successfu...

The Squeal today continues looking at boar nutrition and retention, sharing keys to success in managing growth and productivity in the boar herd. Joining us are Dr. Mike Tokach (Kansas State University), Dr. Michael Kleve-Feld (PIC Technical Services Director for Applied Male Reproduction) and Dr. Ning Lu (PIC Nutrition Specialist). At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig...

The Squeal looks at boar nutrition and retention, with an eye to keeping the genetic potential source in the herd for maximum productivity, until that potential is eclipsed by another source. Joining us are Dr. Mike Tokach (Kansas State University), Dr. Michael Kleve-Feld (PIC Technical Services Director for Applied Male Reproduction) and Dr. Ning Lu (PIC Nutrition Specialist). At PIC, our goal is...

There is a challenge to moving products around the world in a consistent, concise manner, so that each region has access to similar product. Shipping genetic potential to every customer in every nation is just a bit different. PIC's Supply Chain Directors Matthew Murphy, Brian Melody, and Gerardo Lopez highlight what they do to deliver consistency and reliably. At PIC, our goal is to make our cust...

The development and maintenance of a world wide & world class supply chain requires focus. On The Squeal is a discussion of the factors unique to the swine industry and the level of commitment and execution needed to maintain it. PIC's Supply Chain Directors Matthew Murphy, Brian Melody, and Gerardo Lopez share their insights. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig produ...

Creating and maintaining a world class supply chain is multi-factorial and has many elements. The Squeal brings together experts tasked with keeping the links connected during global upheaval and uncertainty. PIC's Supply Chain Directors Matthew Murphy, Brian Melody, and Gerardo Lopez discuss working through the past two years. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig prod...