Dangerous Heat Stress Expected on Cattle Mid-Week

 

With high pressure firmly in place over the Southeast for the next week, we can expect to see temperatures and heat stress rise to dangerous levels. This will affect both outdoor workers and livestock. Producers will want to keep careful track of worsening conditions and take appropriate actions to reduce the effects of the combination of high heat and humidity. You can see the 7-day forecast for the Southeast at https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/clay-center-ne/marc/docs/heat-stress/main/. The link also takes you to a page with information on how to recognize heat stress in cattle and take protective action. Note that this is an updated link from what I published in this blog a few years ago.

 

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.