The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast

In this enlightening episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt, Aaron Juergens, a respected figure in the swine industry and member of the Iowa Pork Board, shares invaluable insights on biosecurity practices. With a focus on preventing disease transmission, Aaron discusses the importance of cleanliness, facility design adjustments, and the rigorous implementation of biosecurity measures. This episode...

In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Sherry Tanumihardjo talks about vitamin A and inflammation in pigs. She shares how inflammation changes vitamin A levels and why it's important for pig health. This discussion is key for anyone in the pig industry, offering tips on nutrition and health care. Tune in to learn more about vitamin A's role in keeping pigs healthy. Meet...

In the latest episode of "The Swine Health Blackbelt," we are joined by Dr. Matthew Sturos, a distinguished veterinary pathologist from the University of Minnesota. We engage in an in-depth discussion on Streptococcus suis, exploring its impact on swine health, diagnostic methods, and management strategies. This episode offers invaluable insights into the complexities of Streptococcus suis...

In this captivating episode of "The Swine Health Blackbelt" podcast, our special guest, Dr. Ken Steen Pedersen, dives into essential strategies for managing post-weaning diarrhea and antibiotic use in pigs. Tackling the major hurdles in Europe, particularly after zinc oxide was phased out, Dr. Pedersen highlights creative approaches for tackling diseases. With a blend of academic knowledge...

Get ready for an eye-opening episode of "The Swine Health Blackbelt" podcast! We're excited to have Betsy Armenta Leyva, a rising star from Iowa State University, who's breaking down the complexities of PCR testing in swine health. Betsy's going to reveal why accurate testing is crucial and how it can change the way we manage swine diseases. Her insights on making test results...

Exploring the role of fiber in swine diets is essential for improving sow health and farm efficiency. In this episode, learn how different types of fiber affect sow gestation and lactation. Dr. Gabriela Martinez provides insights into practical strategies and cost-effective solutions for optimal swine nutrition. Listen now to stay ahead in the swine industry. Meet the guest: Meet Dr. Gabriela Mart...

African Swine Fever (ASF) poses significant risks to swine health and the global pork market. In this episode, Dr. Declan Schroeder discusses ASF's potential impact in the U.S. and its possible spread, emphasizing feed transmission's role. Understanding and mitigating ASF is vital for protecting swine populations and the industry's future. Meet the guest: Meet Dr. Declan Schroeder, an...

Understanding environmental factors is essential in managing swine health. Innovative approaches, discussed in our latest episode, optimize pig welfare and farm efficiency. We invite you to explore the vital role of environmental quality in pig welfare and productivity with Dr. Josine Gelauf. Uncover insights into advanced monitoring systems that improve swine living conditions, leading to more ef...

In the ever-evolving swine health industry, understanding diverse care practices and robust biosecurity measures is vital. Grasping the intricacies of swine health is essential for propelling the industry forward, as it covers a spectrum from biosecurity to individual animal care. In this episode, Dr. Megan Hindman, a seasoned veterinarian, delves deep into swine health. Her insights into small-sc...

Prioritizing gut health and identifying efficient antibiotic alternatives is essential in the swine industry. Understanding the complex dynamics of the swine gut is vital for developing sustainable strategies that enhance pig health. In this episode, Dr. Eduardo Cobo, an expert from the University of Calgary, shares his expertise on these alternatives and the challenges of maintaining gut health....

Exploring postbiotic yeast additives in swine diets is key for advancing swine health and welfare. This innovative approach, as an alternative to conventional antibiotics and zinc oxide, holds the potential to transform feeding practices, boosting growth and intestinal health in post-weaning pigs. In this episode, Brenda Christensen, a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph, delves into the imp...

The evolving nature of PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) poses ongoing challenges in swine health management. Accurately predicting new PRRS variants is key to effective disease control, guiding vaccine development and biosecurity protocols. In this episode, Nakarin Pamornchainavakul sheds light on using gene data for PRRS predictive modeling. While still in its nascent stages,...

Ear necrosis, a prevalent issue in swine health, significantly impacts animal welfare and farm economics. Addressing this challenge is crucial for veterinarians and swine producers worldwide. Effective management and prevention strategies are key to enhancing herd health and ensuring sustainable swine production. In this podcast episode, Dr. Mateusz Malik delves into research on ear necrosis, high...

African Swine Fever (ASF) significantly impacts swine health globally, posing severe economic threats to the pork industry due to high pig mortality rates. Understanding ASF transmission is crucial for effective control and prevention. In this episode, virology expert Dr. Declan Schroeder explores ASF's transmission dynamics, focusing on its environmental stability and the pivotal role of infe...

Sow mortality is a significant concern in the swine industry, impacting animal welfare and economic sustainability. High mortality rates lead to financial losses and affect breeding programs and herd health. In this episode, Dr. Rodrigo Paiva, an Iowa State University Ph. D. student, discusses his research on sow mortality and its associated risk factors. Dr. Paiva's insights illuminate the mu...

Coccidia, a longstanding concern in swine health, notably impacts young pigs, leading to economic losses through decreased productivity and higher mortality rates if left unmanaged. Effective diagnosis and control strategies are vital for optimal swine health and farm profitability. Addressing these challenges is crucial for a thriving swine industry. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Rossow explores...

Mycoplasma, a group of bacteria, is integral to swine health management due to its potential to cause respiratory diseases, particularly Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae. These infections lead to reduced growth rates, heightened medication costs, and compromised herd performance. Effective mycoplasma control strategies are essential for herd health and economic sustainability. In this episode, Dr. Donna D...

African Swine Fever (ASF) has become a critical concern in the swine industry, presenting a substantial threat to animal welfare and the global economy. This highly contagious viral disease can have devastating consequences when not properly managed. In this episode, Abagael Sykes, a Ph. D. Candidate at North Carolina State University's Machado Lab, discusses her pioneering research on ASF con...

Influenza outbreaks severely jeopardize the swine industry, resulting in substantial losses in productivity and revenue. Understanding the virus' spread among pig populations is crucial. In this episode, Dr. Juliana Bonin Ferreira, Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, specializing in Swine health and production, shares insights from her r...

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a critical issue in swine health, impacting economics, production efficiency, global trade, and animal welfare. In this episode, we discuss advanced PRRS management strategies with Dr. Chris Rademacher, a leading swine health expert. Dr. Rademacher explores innovative approaches to combat PRRS challenges, including a pioneering killed vaccine...

Join us for the newest episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast in which we dive deep into the fascinating world of data science within swine health research. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Edison Magalhães, unpacks his wide range of experience, from hands-on swine care to thought-provoking academic research. In this latest endeavor, he uses the scientific approach of data science to improve the hea...

Welcome to a new episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast. Today, Dr. Ashley Wagner takes us on an enlightening journey into the promising world of monoterpenes. These plant-derived compounds are emerging as a potential game-changer in managing swine health, particularly in stress management. As we explore this ever-evolving area, Dr. Wagner delves into the many sources of monoterpenes, their...

In today's episode of the Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, we dive deep into the crucial topic of biosecurity within pig farms. As we know, biosecurity serves as a fundamental principle, pivotal to successful pig production. To discuss that, we bring in a special guest, Dr. Jeroen Dewulf, a leading Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology at Ghent University in Belgium. Dr. Dewulf has devoted a lar...

In our discussion today, we illuminated the ongoing presence of disease threats in sow farms, specifically focusing on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Our esteemed guest, Dr. Jason Hocker, a seasoned veterinarian with 17 years of experience, delved deeply into the contemporary challenges and innovative approaches within the field of swine health management. As traditional met...

As precision livestock farming (PLF) continues to evolve, researchers are exploring future possibilities to improve animal welfare and enhance the swine industry. As we see, these technologies gain attention not only from farmers, but also from customers. In this episode, Dr. Babatope Akinyemi delves into the core of modern agriculture, specifically PLF, and how it's shaping the way we raise o...